Friday, March 1, 2013

Chance to grow

"Dear bothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." James 1:2-3

Uggghhh everyday trouble seems to come my way. Some of which is self-induced by the way, but some of it is inflicted upon me. What is a person to do when faced with this trouble?

So what pushes your buttons? Does 10 Red lights in a row when you are running late push your buttons? Is it be the guy in front of you on the freeway that keeps changing lanes in hopes that he will find the fast one? Is it the boss coming to you and saying that all your work needs to be changed? Is it having your child tell you in the morning that she needs something for school? does it irritate you when people lie to you? How about Grandpa in the fast lane? Or when plans change unexpectedly?

Another question I have is what tests your faith? Is it chronic pain? Is it loss of someone so close to you? Is it unfairness? Does loosing an ability like seeing or hearing challenge your faith. ? Is it lack of funds or resources? What makes you wonder about your faith?

Two questions arise from this verse and scenario?

First question is “when we react to either irritants or things that test our faith, what impact does it have on others that are around us observing our actions?” As it says in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” We know how we should act and why but the impact it has is huge. Think of any of these scenarios above and think of those who have handled them poorly or really well. What do you tell others about those people when they are not around. How you react will make others talk about you the same way. Remember Matthew 5:16 as it says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Second question is “How can we react better when we are tested with our faith and by irritants?” Knowing that we should react well because as it says in James 1:19-20 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." But how do we do it. First of knowing that it displeases God and there are several verses warning us about our behavior should help you understand the importance. Like Psalm 37:8 or Proverbs 25:28 and Proverbs 29:11. Another good idea is to stop and take a time out and pray, as it says in Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

So last thought here in this post is looking over the bible verse and break it down. The bible verse tells us the benefit for behaving well during trying times and what to do. Let it be an opportunity for joy… and it will give you a chance to let your endurance grow.

Lord I pray that you help me in this area. I have not been a good example at times for my friends and family. Lord please let me take times of trouble and shine your light and let others be amazed how you work in my life. Lord I ask you to help me in this area and have a better attitude when life is trying, especially ask this when I am in the presence of my children. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.



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