Sep
5
(9/5/2010)(In these weekly “Sunday Sermons” we take a break from the mundane to consider God’s perspective.
These posts reflect a Judeo-Christian perspective. If that offends you, feel free to browse the hundreds of other posts on this site.)
The little New Testament book of James is filled with teaching that seems counter-intuitive, beginning with the second verse:
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.
Yeah, right.
“What a joy!” That’s sure not my first thought when hit by the trials and tribulations of life.
But James, who was probably Jesus’ half brother (or possibly his cousin) had apparently gained a different perspective from his counter-intuitive relative.
He goes on to explain why trials should be welcomed:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
It’s probably a truth we all know, but don’t particularly like. Trials help us grow.
“No pain, no gain.”
The best workouts are the ones that leave us exhausted.
“The sun that melts the ice hardens the clay.”
Gold is only refined through fire.
Or, as James’ fellow early church leader, St. Paul wrote,
We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28, New King James Version
God can use all things, no matter how bad they look, for ultimate good.
That’s the theme of Steven Curtis Chapman’s memorable song “Out of these Ashes,” (see our 8/22/2010 “Sunday Sermon”).
It’s one of the many lessons of Jesus’ death and resurrection: Tragedy turned to triumph.
God is greater than our trials, and He wants to use them for His glory and for our good, if we let him.
In fact, He sends them for our ultimate good.
My Dad liked to tell a joke about a farmer who was facing a devastating drought.
“Cheer up,” his neighbor told him, “things could be worse.”
“So I cheered up,” the farmer later said, ” and sure enough, things got worse!”
After three of the toughest economic conditions of my life (and probably yours), it’s easy to get down. But that’s counter-productive.
It’s also wrong, at least for those who love God.
Because God has sent the trials not to harm us but to bless us, by refining our hearts, building our character, and strengthening our faith.
So, consider it all joy.
Related posts:
- “Sunday Stories:” The joy of tribuation
- Sunday Sermon: Empathy–the importance of “changing places”
- Sunday Sermon: The truth will set you free
- Sunday Sermon: Speaking truth in love & humility
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