DEC 17

James 1:1-12
Memorise James 1:2
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”

A living faith will endure the trials of life with grace and even with joy. That is what James 1:2 teaches. We are exhorted to count it all joy when trials come our way. Trials are to test us. We become mature in our faith when we face temptations bravely and even joyfully, knowing that it is refining and strengthening us. James admonishes us to choose the same attitude as Jesus Christ, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). How can you and I be joyful even in the midst of our trials and troubles? We can be joyful because we know that this trial is for our good! We can choose to focus on Christ rather than upon our circumstances. Joy is the inward source of our strength in tough times and that joy comes from our relationship with the Lord.

Did David have many trials and troubles in his life? He certainly had his share of trials when he was persecuted by King Saul and had to hide in caves and in the desert to escape death. But if you read his Psalms, you will be struck by his strong faith and praise of God. He endured the years of his struggles in the wilderness patiently and the joy of the Lord was always his strength. Indeed when he became king of Judah and then Israel, he became the best king that Israel ever had. He became a man after God’s own heart.

So you see, dear teen, how important it is to patiently endure your trials, trusting that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The road to Christian maturity goes through many rounds of refining. Perhaps you are going through a trial of faith even now. Believe that this and every trial, trouble and hardship we go through is part of God’s process of getting us from where we are to where He wants us to be. The place He wants us to be is the place of triumph and victory over sin and temptation. Along the way, His grace and the Holy Spirit that indwells you, together with much prayer and reading of God’s Word are our divine help and resource. God means to make you stronger.

Thought: The early Christians often suffered greatly for their faith but they sang praises to God and prayed for those who persecuted them.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may I consider it a privilege to suffer for You, for You have counted me worthy to suffer for Your great name.