Joy in Sorrow
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ~ James 1:2-3,12.
This, I think, is one thing among others which mark Christians as different from others - the fact that we can laugh in the face of trouble. Not recklessly, no. Rather, our laughter stems from pure joy. We can even welcome trouble with uplifted arms and a joyful heart.
No, we're not a bunch of sadists, masochists, or sadomasochists.
It's just that whenever we face trials, we know God is going to manifest powerfully. That no matter what kind of trouble we're in, God is always there with us and for us, waiting for the right time to rescue us in wonderful, miraculous ways so that His Name will be glorified!
Trouble is also God's gentle reminder that it's time once more to turn to Him, and learn a new lesson. It's God's way of saying, 'Hey, it's time for you to grow wiser and develop a stronger relationship with Me!'
Unfortunately, some 'Christians' don't see it this way. They buckle under pressure; they rail against God, and sulk like spoilt brats. Finally, they turn away from Him. Sadly, they forget God's promise that He will give us grace and the strength to go through whatever trials we're facing. These 'Christians' are no different than other non-Christians, because they have not known who God truly is.
To them, God is just like some genie, to cater to their every whim. A God to pray to only when they need something, a God who can make them richer.
While God does want us to rely wholly on Him for everything, this does not mean that we are to forget Him once our needs are met. Christianity is not a religion - it's a relationship with Jesus, a lifestyle of love, living wholly for Him.
It's something Christians should take to heart and remember always. Our lives are already His, bought by His blood. Our lives are His to spend as He wills - but thankfully He is a loving and merciful Master.
This, I think, is one thing among others which mark Christians as different from others - the fact that we can laugh in the face of trouble. Not recklessly, no. Rather, our laughter stems from pure joy. We can even welcome trouble with uplifted arms and a joyful heart.
No, we're not a bunch of sadists, masochists, or sadomasochists.
It's just that whenever we face trials, we know God is going to manifest powerfully. That no matter what kind of trouble we're in, God is always there with us and for us, waiting for the right time to rescue us in wonderful, miraculous ways so that His Name will be glorified!
Trouble is also God's gentle reminder that it's time once more to turn to Him, and learn a new lesson. It's God's way of saying, 'Hey, it's time for you to grow wiser and develop a stronger relationship with Me!'
Unfortunately, some 'Christians' don't see it this way. They buckle under pressure; they rail against God, and sulk like spoilt brats. Finally, they turn away from Him. Sadly, they forget God's promise that He will give us grace and the strength to go through whatever trials we're facing. These 'Christians' are no different than other non-Christians, because they have not known who God truly is.
To them, God is just like some genie, to cater to their every whim. A God to pray to only when they need something, a God who can make them richer.
While God does want us to rely wholly on Him for everything, this does not mean that we are to forget Him once our needs are met. Christianity is not a religion - it's a relationship with Jesus, a lifestyle of love, living wholly for Him.
It's something Christians should take to heart and remember always. Our lives are already His, bought by His blood. Our lives are His to spend as He wills - but thankfully He is a loving and merciful Master.
posted by sleepypurplepiglet at 5:19 PM
1 Comments:
may God help us! Amen!
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
--1 cor 10:13
let's look up to Him by faith!
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