A devotion

[missmuffet]

God's Gold Medal

Dr. Charles Stanley

James 1: 2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

 

When difficult times come into your life, what is your response? While

it may seem easier to "quit while your ahead," this is not the kind

of attitude God wants us to demonstrate. Instead, we are to hold our heads

high and press on through the pain.

  This comes as a shock to many new believers. After placing their faith in

Jesus, they are often surprised when some unexpected hardship appears. This

reveals a terrible misconception. The Bible does not promise an easy life once

we accept Jesus as Lord. In fact, the Word assures us of quite the opposite!

Jesus Himself declared that if we are found in Him, the world will give us

great trouble (John 16:33).

  In James 1:2, we are instructed to consider our struggles as a source of

"pure joy". This makes sense only when we see our difficulties

through God's eyes-as opportunities for growth. An untested faith is weak

and ineffective. Just like our muscles, our faith must be exercised against 

some resistance. When we face these trials with wisdom and endure them  

with godly determination, we will find blessings we never thought possible.

  At the end of struggle, we will see God standing with our reward: the 

crown of life (James 1:12). This is an athletic reference-essentially, the 

"crown of life" is God's gold medal for a job well done.

  Do you want God's recognition of your spiritual victory? Then press on

through the hardship with assurance and perserverance. 

 

Help me persevere with assurance, Lord. I want to receive a crown

of life! Amen

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

[Speks]

I know how true this is through recent dark days. Thanks for sharing.