For with tribulation and suffering comes a new level of dependence on our Heavenly Father. It demands a perseverance we otherwise would never see develop in ourselves. This perseverance leads to true character in word and in action. We are able to see our deep need of Him and He is faithful to fulfill our every need. And what is waiting for us at the end of this process? Hope. Hope that does not waver, doubt or disappoint, but thrives in the confidence of His proven faithfulness throughout the trials and tribulations.

Remember God is causing all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28). What ever your suffering is, it is building a testimony of His faithfulness that has the power to change the world. Make sure the tribulation is not wasted but that it brings glory to Him through your witness to others.

Reflection

What’s your normal reaction to suffering?

What sufferings are you going through right now that could be used to glorify Him?

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for the tribulations that are producing perseverance, character, and ultimately hope in us. For You are faithful in all things and love You LORD! Build in us the testimonies of that faithfulness that all may see Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

It may be the loss of a loved one, a current battle with cancer, a prodigal son or daughter. In any event, the struggle is real. If we focus on the struggle, we will only see the struggle and negative. If the struggle is long term, this can lead to prolonged periods of grief and even depression.

So what’s the solution? Focus on what brings joy. Scripture is clear that what is being revealed to us, is greater than the struggle. So much so, that the trials are not worthy to be compared.

I’ve been in a place where I didn’t want to get out of bed. Everything seemed horrible and not worth doing. I hung the labels of failure on myself regularly. Friend, this is not God’s design. When we are in that place we need more Jesus time. We need to take every extra moment and dive into His word and worship at His feet. We need to surround ourselves with people doing that same thing.

When we see who God is, what He has done, and what He wants to do through us, it transforms our thinking and reshapes our definition of love. We can no longer fit into a depressive shell. Though our situation may be grievous, remember, our Lord has conquered even death!

Reflection

Where are your eyes fixed right now? Your situation or on Christ and His finished work?

Are you spending quality time with Jesus daily? (Jesus:The Word – John1:1-14)

Who around you at church or in your community has true joy and could help you on your journey? If you can’t think of anyone, intensify your search until you find someone.

Prayer

Father, for Your have purposed our joy to be full in Christ. Open blinded eyes to see and set the captives free. May all those who read this be overwhelmed by the joy we have in Christ. Lift them from the dark place and let them be filled with Your loving light. May it be said of them and may they truly believe that their trials are not worthy to be compared to the joy that is being revealed to them in Jesus, Amen!

I decided to expand this thought a little further and asked myself the question, “How does praising God in the midst of the trial I am currently in, reach more for the sake of the Gospel?”

We have a unique platform when we are in the middle of suffering, especially suffering for the name of Christ. All suffering, however; connects us with others and opens the door to the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Don’t waste that platform!

Reflection

I believe one of the greatest ways of making sure sufferings aren’t wasted is to journal.  Emotions have a way of clouding things that later become clear as we go back and read objectively. It’s also a great way to see how the hand of God has moved.  

Find a notebook or buy a journal and start keeping track of the challenges you face and how God is furthering the gospel through them.  Then share those stories with others. 

Prayer

Father teach us to watch for Your mighty hand at work especially through our sufferings.  We pray that no experience would be wasted, but instead all would be used for Your glory and furthering the gospel.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

God is our Comforter and when we are comforted by Him, His intention is that the comfort would spill over to others around us as well. Brokenness is not only the reason for our mission but also the platform.  

Few things in this life connect people more closely than suffering.   People come out of the woodwork to help those who have been through a tradgedy. Look at Hurricane Katrina or the Trade Center afte 9/11.   When we endure such great trials, we receive with it a platform to comfort others because we have walked in the shoes of those suffering that same affliction.  

Personal Reflection

Don’t let any suffering go to waste. Make a list of each trial you have been brought through. Sometimes it’s tempting to thank God and then tuck these memories away so we don’t have to remember the pain.   Seek out and find someone who is struggling with something God has brought you through.  Invest in their life and in prayer with/for them.  You will be amazed at the healing God can provide as you walk with others comforting them with the comfort you received from Our Father in heaven. 

Prayer Focus

Gracious God, we pray that you would show us those in need of comfort from the things you have comforted us in. Give us the words to say from your Word that will bring peace to weary souls.  We pray that in all this you would be gloried; in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen!

We must open to a larger portion of scripture to understand these verses. Read James 1:1-8  This passage of scripture isn’t suggesting wisdom as just one more thing to add to the prayer list.  If we look closely at the context, we notice that these verses are sandwiched between encouragement and instruction for those enduring trials.  The overall theme is faith in the midst of those trials, the testing of that faith, asking for wisdom to endure, and the final result.

So what is wisdom? The word used in the text is sophia and it specifically refers to knowledge and deep understanding of divine things and the practical application of that knowledge. So taken in context, the wisdom asked for in the text is for knowing how to live and endure in the midst of great trials.  Wisdom could be described as understanding how to live God’s truth whether that be under trial or comfort.

Acquiring Godly wisdom is a process that requires faith. Even asking for wisdom, requires faith that God will hear us and that He will answer according to His lovingkindness.  During times of trial it can be even harder for us to see that God is developing our faith and increasing our wisdom. We know this is the case, however.  If we back up to verse 3, we see that the testing of our faith produces endurance .  Verse 4 goes on to say, “let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  Growing faith and wisdom is part of God’s plan for you.

What are you struggling with today? Could it be that God has allowed this struggle in your life so that you would cry out to Him asking for wisdom and that your faith in Him would  increase?  Not only do I believe that it is possible, I believe it is probable.  He wants you to KNOW, LIVE, and SPEAK the Truth….all by faith in Him.

My kids have been praying daily for over 3yrs for the release of Pastor Saeed. When I heard the news that he was freed I was overcome with joy for Saeed, Naghmeh, Jacob and Rebekka.  I was even more overjoyed knowing that thousands who persevered in faith praying(including my children), can now see that God is faithful. What did this struggle do to their faith?

May your faith be strengthened today as you ask in faith for wisdom to endure the trials that you are facing. Know that God is faithful and will answer in His timing and according to His will.  

Blessings to you in Christ…

#klstruth #truthtalk4life #godlywisdom