Our Response in Trial

I have recently been studying the book of James and have found such deep and rich Truth throughout. James sets forth a series of "tests" so to speak for the genuineness of your faith. It is interesting to see that the first test is that of trial. All Christians are promised testing, trial, and suffering in this life; it comes with the territory. Throughout the life of the believer trials are used to make the Christian more like Jesus and the response of that individual to that trial shows a lot about their Christian character. The Lord reminded me of the trials I have went through in the past and even some small ones that I am enduring now and encouraged me with this, "The Lord sows Christian character in the valleys and reaps it on the mountain tops. Thankful for sanctification and a God who is actively working and intimately involved in His kids' lives."

I look back over the years of my sanctification and I have seen God's hand actively involved in the details and circumstances of my life. The promise of Romans 8:28 has always proved to be true, God's faithfulness has never run dry and I pull away every time more and more amazed at the Lord and His providential working in my life. He has used every painful experience to refine me, to make me more like Jesus. In those moments I see the precious love of Jesus in a way I cannot even explain. In those times I feel His presence like no other time in my life. In trial I see the face of Jesus.

The encouragement James provides for the believer in this first test is that you are well on your way to perfection. How amazing is that?! We can find joy therefore in the midst of trial knowing that He is ACTIVELY working to make us mature, complete, perfect. We can find hope in our response. When trial comes do we trust the sovereign One? Do we run to His feet and cling tightly to the promises found in the Word? Do we remember His past faithfulness and His present faithfulness and endure? Do we find a peace and deep seated joy that surpasses understanding? Do we believe that He is working all things together for our good and His glory? How do YOU respond in trial? This will tell you much.

This old hymn is a great encouragement for the faithful saint...

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.