James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
God told us in His word, that we would go through trials because we would grow stronger in the process. Life on this earth was never meant to be perfect or even easy. We will face adversity, pain, and sorrow. We will have hardships. This is all a part of being human. Unfortunately, life isn't fair.
To win a race, you have to run. To win a war, you have to fight. These trial periods are the race running, war fighting aspect. Hebrews 11:36-39 state some were mocked, and their backs cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others killed by the sword. Some went hungry and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world. All of these mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none received all that God promised. For God had far better for them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race, until the race is finished.
Christ gives us the strength to overcome. He will carry us when we are too weak to walk. God will never leave us. Trust in God and keep pressing onward, this race is almost over. Don't dwell on the present, look toward the future.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Put a knot on the end of your rope and hold on. When this life is over, we will receive an eternity of no suffering, pain, death, rejection, hunger, or worry. Heaven is our prize for enduring the trials of this life. God's light is at the end of life's tunnel and our prize is just around the corner.
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