Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3 NIV)
Footnotes
- James 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19.
REFLECTION
When I’ve felt overwhelmed or dread has raised its head, and instead of allowing fear to distract me, I turned to the Lord in prayer and pondered His Word, the Truth rose up and calmed the storm of lies brewing within, and I’ve found that I actually can “…do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (see Philippians 4:13). It’s clear in the scriptures that we are called to prayerfully persevere. And – praise God – it’s possible for us to experience peace, love and joy in Christ, while we persevere, as we journey toward our Heavenly Home. So let’s stay close to our Prince of Peace, come what may today, and every day, knowing that “…Jesus Christ is indeed the same yesterday, today and forever…” (see Hebrews 13:8).
PRAYER POEM: All In
Lord Jesus Christ, to You my life I bring – the shiny surface and the brokenness within.
You alone know the depth of my striving, secret suffering and my chagrin. Your perfect blood alone atones my sin, so I come to You as I am and say: I am all in.
