PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• We just finished a Bible study at church based on Lysa TerKeurst’s book, “It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way.”
In her video teaching, she uses James 1:2-3 which says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Our class agreed with her that in times of adversity, this really isn’t the verse any of us want to hear.
“Joy” and “trials” don’t go hand-in-hand.
But understanding this verse is a part of maturing as a Christian.
It’s the trials and tribulations we face that can build up and strengthen our faith.
When we look at the obstacles in front of us, the only way to overcome them is by walking with Jesus.
He has promised to walk with us, even in the valleys.
So though none of us want to face difficult situations, we aren’t alone.
As the saying goes, “Don’t tell God how big your mountain is; tell the mountain how big your God is.”
That’s not to say we don’t take our burdens to Christ and tell God what’s bothering us.
We should tell Him and we should leave them there (a truth I need to be constantly reminded of since I tend to pick them back up).
But we can’t be intimidated by our trials.
God is bigger.
He has a plan, a purpose, and we have to trust that He will work everything out to His glorious purpose (Romans 8:28).
Today, as you pray, thank God for being bigger than the obstacles you face.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust God, no matter how big your mountains may seem.
Ask Him to use those situations to draw you closer to Him.