To “fight or flight” is the normal human reaction to trauma. We want to defend our self, or to run from confrontation on any level. We either use our human ingenuity to escape from trials or else we just sit and complain about them.
James
recommends that we find joy in our trials, knowing that they are building up
our faith in God’s faithfulness, as well as increasing our endurance to face
other trials in the future (James 1:2-4).
James
assures us that endurance will help us to walk in complete perfection and to
have no lack in any area of our life. We eventually know without a doubt that
God will see us through any negative circumstance.
God
allows trials to teach us that nothing else matters in our life except Jesus
(Colossians 3:3-4). As we endure suffering, we wait on God in every aspect of
our life, and He always provides.
Our
beliefs about God affect our thoughts, words and deeds. If we believe by faith,
we will also think, speak and act in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). This allows
the light of Christ to shine forth from our life.
We
do not have to experience trials to trust God or to walk in the faith of God’s
Son (Galatians 2:20). God also blesses us in the good times of life; and He
loves it when we acknowledge His gifts and give Him thanks.
Prayer:
Father
God, teach us to praise You in good times and in bad. Remind us that You are
working out Your purpose in our life through every circumstance, which we face;
and that You will make sure that everything works out to our advantage
(Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28). We praise You for who You are, what You do for
us and for Your Word, which encourages, guides and gives us a rich life of
unending hope.
Thought
for the Day:
It
is impossible to please God, unless we have faith in His faithfulness.
–
Hebrews 11:6
