“Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.”
James 1:2-4
I recall my first encounter with seasickness. I was on a two-day fishing trip and became so ill that I couldn’t eat, drink, or even sleep. My entire trip was spent either groaning in misery or praying for mercy. I vowed to never go out to sea again! Much later, I found the courage to give it another go and discovered I was slowly adjusting to the constant motion. In time I became resistant to seasickness. The process, although painful at first, produced endurance in me.
The apostle James wrote about perseverance. He addressed Christians who were suffering as a result of being followers of Christ. He even referenced the doubts of life, comparing them to waves of the sea whose wind blows us and tosses us about. His encouragement to them and to us is not to let the struggle of suffering for Christ discourage us. Rather, we must focus on what God is doing in us.
The Lord promises to build perseverance in us. When we walk by faith, we show the world what true faith is and give testimony to the power of salvation through Jesus.
The apostle James wrote about perseverance. He addressed Christians who were suffering as a result of being followers of Christ. He even referenced the doubts of life, comparing them to waves of the sea whose wind blows us and tosses us about. His encouragement to them and to us is not to let the struggle of suffering for Christ discourage us. Rather, we must focus on what God is doing in us.
The Lord promises to build perseverance in us. When we walk by faith, we show the world what true faith is and give testimony to the power of salvation through Jesus.
Scripture Focus
James 1:2-8
Insight
When facing hardship, focus your heart and mind on what the Lord is doing in you, rather than what is happening to you.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 1-2
- Psalm 8
- Matthew 12
