Wednesday, September 10, 2008

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Today's New International Version

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
The Message

My Christian brothers, you should be happy when you have all kinds of tests. You know these prove your faith. It helps you not to give up. Learn well how to wait so you will be strong and complete and in need of nothing.
New Life Version

It all starts from how we see the situation. If we know that trials will make us more like Jesus, we can choose to respond (not react!) to it positively. We can turn trials into triumphs! I think none of us will actively seek to have trials in our lives, however, when they come (they WILL come!), we can choose how we respond. If our goal is to avoid difficulties or mishaps, our trials will seem miserable. Focus our eyes on Jesus. Tell yourself that you want to exit the tunnel of trials victoriously!

God chooses what we go through; we choose how we go through it.
Shepherd

No comments: