The excerpt below was taken from the website Through the Bible with J. Vernon McGee. Pastor J. Vernon McGee, was an older, wiser gentleman, a God-fearing pastor, who became a friend of my heart through the radio waves, many years ago. Let's hear what he has to say about trials and the book of James.
ttb.org
So, I ask myself, and you: Are we running from our trials, or holding God's hand as we walk straight through them?
Is the same God who makes me lie down in green pastures and beside the still waters also walking me through the valley of the shadow of death? That sounds like more than a simple trial: the valley of the shadow of death. Wow. That's a heavy duty trial. Who wants a trial like that? Not me.
Actually, I have been through some heavy duty trials in my life. Have you?
I'm going through some heavy duty trials right now. Are you?
I have heard it said that we are either currently in a trial, coming out of a trial or preparing to go into a trial.
I suppose, if that is true, we must learn how to go through trials well, as God wants us to. Let's let God lead us instead of pulling away from Him in fear.
Lord God, I pray for myself and for those who are reading, studying and praying along with me. God, we give you the glory through whatever trials we are going through, big or small. We don't know how, but we believe that you will make a way. We don't know why, but we are grateful in the midst of the pain. We trust that you will never leave us nor forsake us; that's what your word says. Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or tremble at them, the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you."
That verse may have been spoken to the Israelites in the Old Testament, but I'm going to cling to that promise, since God's character never changes. I don't believe He will fail me or forsake me. Nor you.
Lord, thank you that you have given us the ability and the strength to forgive those who come against us. Let us not build up resentment or bitterness against those who come against us. Thank you, Jesus, that you showed us, from the cross, how to love our enemies. May we be like you, Jesus, Father God and Holy Spirit. May we trust you, love you and hope in you and you alone. May we turn our trials into pearls to wear for your glory. You will make a way and show us how, step by step. May we keep our eyes on you and our hand in yours. Amen.
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