In the midst of all of this, we must remember that Jesus has overcome all the tribulations of this life including death, disease, and sin once and for all. Certainly, that is joy. We can take heart for He has overcome them all! What can we do but praise Him with unending joy?  When our eyes are fixed on Him we see what the ending will be, we have strength to press on, and we are filled with a deep deep joy.  

Reflection

Where are your eyes fixed today? On your situation or on Him?

If you want joy, where do they need to be fixed?

Take 15 min to thank God out loud for sending a His Son to overcome all the tribulations of this life. 

Prayer

Thank you Father, for having a perfect plan to overcome the trials of this life and to bring a joy that never ends.  Those trials were never worthy to be compared to the joy being revealed to us in Christ Jesus. Amen!

Examining some compononents of dealing with pain can be a helpful in preparing us to be ready. At some point we will all experience pain. 

Trials are always revealing our character.  We can hold it together for quite some time in our own strength but when there is prolonged pain our true self makes it way to the surface.  Rather than “manning up”, I’m going to keep my strength grounded completely in Christ this time.  

Temptation to numb the pain is incredibly appealing during times of prolonged pain.  There is really only on thing that will truly comfort and that is God in all three persons.  Every other substitute is like a drug that promises comfort but comes with a long list of side effects. 

We must not waver or justify “comforters” other than Christ.  There are many great tools that can and should be used, but make sure your affections are rightly placed on thanking the One who is responsible for the provision of those tools. 

Prayer is powerful weapon in times of trial and We are not alone in wielding it.  Look in Romans 8:26

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;” 

The Spirit intercedes on our behalf.  Remember, we are never alone in the trial!   We also find that not only the Spirit but also The Son intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34)

who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

He intercedes in regard to our salvation and continues to do so; making us inseparable from His overflowing love.  

And what familiar passage is sandwiched between these two wonderful truths?  None other than Romans 8:28

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

So is the pain present? YES, strong as ever, but not as strong as my God who is at work in me.  Some good will come of this pain.  I will be lifted by the intercessions of the Spirit and the Son.  He will be my comforter, my shield and my refuge!

#truthtalk4life #knowlicespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedl

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