“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. Let perseverance finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

This verse puzzled me for years! How could anyone enjoy suffering? Trials are not something to be appreciated, right? How can the difficult circumstances be a good thing? Well, from my perspective, those trials, big and small, seemed like something to “get through” and then there would be wonderful times of peace and carefree days. I realized that the trials and peace alternated, but when I was feeling at peace I would start dreading the next trial. I couldn’t seem to enjoy the peaceful times because I just knew it wouldn’t last. Now that I’m much older I can see how important the trials are. Our character and our faith are shaped by our reactions to the stresses in our lives. I felt much closer to the Lord when I was struggling and I desperately needed his guidance. Then in the peaceful times I wouldn’t think about God so much. My faith grew more in the times of trial than in the good times. So there was a great lesson for me!

I love the story of Job. He was a great example of perseverance. His faith endured through terrible trials and physical pain. He said in Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him”. And 19:25-27 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes — I and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

Most of us will never suffer as much as Job did. But for each of us, our personal trials are a big deal. I feel that it helps to see our lives from God’s perspective, the Big picture. He is working through all the  circumstances in our lives to increase our faith and make us more like Jesus. My Bible Study group here in Arizona is studying Pilgrims Progress. It is a wonderful reminder of all the challenges we face in our journey to Heaven. Satan has many ways to seduce us off the narrow path. It’s hard to spot all the deceivers that test our faith today. The Bible is our sure guide. The more time we spend reading God’s true Word, the better we can spot the counterfeiters. We are all pilgrims on our way to eternity. Let’s love and encourage each other on the way so we never give up!

Prayer: Dear Lord, guide each and everyone of us in our daily lives. Help us to persevere as we keep our eyes on you and the wonderful future we have with you if we don’t give up. Lent is such a special time to remember your great love and your willingness to die on that cross for us. May our greatest desire be to please you and share our love and faith with others.  Amen.                                                                                           

Vivian Dunbar