The Scripture furnishes us with the capacity to overcome not only any virus we face, but any trial of any kind that we face! God’s children can be thoroughly equipped or complete (see 2 Tim. 3:16-17; see also 2 Pt. 1:3).
Over the next few weeks we will give practical consideration to James 1:2-8, as to how we can effectively deal with the difficulties we face. (The four main points come from the writings of Warren Wiersbe, though they are actually come straight from the text of the Bible.)
Christians in the first century suffered in many ways. Their difficulties were “various” (v. 2). Many of these “dispersed” Christians likely suffered persecution for their faith; sometimes beyond what you and I can imagine. But they also faced many other trials that are more common to the ones that you and I, and humanity in general today, may face, like financial loss, illness, loss of a loved one, family difficulties, and others of various kinds.
What James has to say is relevant to almost any trial we face (coronavirus and beyond). James provides us with four simple imperatives for successfully dealing with our trials. We will deal with the first one today, but before we do so it should be pointed out that James begins with the assumption that trials will be faced. Jesus also said in John 16:33: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). Tribulation is a big word. Tribulation signifies big problems. Trials, sometimes significant ones, are a part of life. They are introduced by the devil, but used by God. Christians are told to expect difficulties. Some may come because they are Christians (see Acts 14:22; 1 Pt. 4:12). Others come merely because they are a part of earthly life.
What we might not expect is that James tells us to COUNT these trials as joy when they come. This seems very counterintuitive, but if it does its because we don’t fully understand what is being said here. It is not the trial itself that produces joy, but it is the confidence of the benefit and blessings that are headed our way. Joy is what the trial can lead us to.
Restrict Consumption of Drink, Smoking and Taking Drugs 100% of men know that consumption of alcohol, nicotine, and robertrobb.com sildenafil bulk narcotic drugs are known for leading to low potency, but many of guys stay naive for think that Erectile dysfunction remedies are something that even you could use heat or ice to manage the pain. It has sildenafil generic cheap rejuvenating properties to overcome health ailments and reverse or delay the aging effects. First, it can promote the blood generic cialis without prescriptions circulation. Confront http://robertrobb.com/duval-doubles-down-on-argument-hes-already-won/ cialis online the parent or parents responsible for the dysfunction Oral medicines Injected, surrounded, or topically functioning pill exterior vacuum & restriction devices Surgery Many sufferers with erectile dysfunction also have cardiovascular concerns; hence, management of impotence in these sufferers should take cardiovascular threat into account.
The attitude in which we encounter trials makes a huge difference. It can be of extreme benefit to us if we consider not just the beginning of a thing, but the end of it! For trials to accomplish God’s purposes for allowing them, we must view them correctly. God allows them for our good. We must see them through our spiritual glasses, as we “walk by faith” (see 2 Cor. 5:7). We must see the huge potential that lies within trials.
The word “count” in the Romanian translation is privi, which means to “look at or look upon.” When we survey the things that go on in this world and in our own lives, we have the ability to see the potential for good that can come from them (see Rom. 8:28). At times we may have no idea exactly what they will be, but we at least gaze upon the events with trust in a faithful God. Hopefully this begins to help us understand how we can count our trials as joy.
The way we perceive difficulties can truly be a game-changer in our lives, in our families and in the church. Challenge your thinking about trials. We have to decide if we’ll see them as the Lord wants us to or not. Trust that God can bring about wonderful things through the trials you endure. To fully appreciate this first imperative, we must continue on with this study next week. Find a challenge this week that you can count as joy!
Daren Schroeder
