Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
James 1:2 NIV
Isn't James annoying?
Trials
Joy
Who puts those things together willingly?
The word "trials" means "test" or "temptation" depending on the context.
On the weekend I watched the All Blacks play a Test match.
They willingly put all their training and resources and energy into that match.
To test themselves.
To willingly be put to the test.
And there's a joy in that (there's a different joy in winning)
Work, business, family, study, recreation...have you ever heard anyone practice their music, or learn to paint or...there's a joy in the testing, in seeing our skills improve...even in sitting an exam.
So maybe James here rather than setting some holy goal for us is really just reflecting the way God has made us. That in the testing of ourselves there is real joy, this is the place of growth and goodness, and it's something to embrace!
#james
#james1
#joy
Genesis 15.8-18.ESV But he said O Lord God , how am I to know that I shall possess it? ...When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram... March 15 was the last day we looked at Abram's story...he was questioning God and this is God's response...sacrifices and smoke and fire and a covenant...a promise... Isn't that what we crave for sometimes? God, if only you'd just show me smoke & fire, a burning bush a sign, miracle, healing...then all my questions would disappear...all my doubts would be gone... 2moro we'll see Abram's response but I think God values our faith in spite of our questions and doubts. That we choose Him anyway #faith
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