MAY 18

James 1:1-12
Memorise James 1:12
“Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”

A true Christian does not wilt like a fragile flower when faced with trials. He will have enduring faith. Trials and temptations are part and parcel of a pilgrim’s journey on this earth. It is wrong to think that health and wealth are guaranteed to those who trust in Jesus. James 1:2 tells us to consider it a joy when we experience the various trials of life. This is because these circumstances are opportunities for us to exercise our faith, and grow in ability to endure under adverse conditions. As we undergo such difficulties, we would be richly blessed, for they would drive us to our knees, and lead us to God and seek wisdom from Him to overcome the trials that we face. Furthermore, James 1:12 tells us that having gone through the trials, and after we are tested and found worthy, we will be rewarded with a crown of life!

Every believer must thus have such a perspective towards trials. When faced with difficulties, we ought to persevere through the pain and loneliness we experience, and discipline ourselves to overcome our slothful and sinful habits. Many of the great missionaries like Adoniram Judson who went to Burma (Myanmar) and John Paton who laboured among the cannibals in the islands of the South Pacific, were men who underwent horrendous hardships and privation, heartache and discouragement. But they persevered, because they had the right biblical perspectives towards trials in their lives. Likewise, we too should be willing to live a life of sacrifice, knowing that it pleases the Lord.

Dear teens, start cultivating this habit of tenacity and perseverance in your school work. When things get difficult, don’t give up. Seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Slowly, you will have confidence to complete difficult tasks given to you. Whether in school, at home or in church, we must always rely on the Lord to grant us the determination to persevere. In so doing, we are laying the foundation of a good lifelong habit. We must not shy away from hardships in this life, but rather thank God for every trial, knowing that this is a blessing from Him!

Thought: True faith is enduring faith.
Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, grant me a good understanding of the blessings that will result from enduring trials and hardships in life. Make me strong in the faith and live a victorious life for the glory of Thy name.