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Scripture:
James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Observation:
Six is the number of man. God created us on the sixth day. It is also symbolic of the flesh and sin nature. As humans, we don’t like to wait – especially in our generation. Everything needs to be like a TikTok video: right away and for only 5 seconds, then on to the next. We are losing our attention spans and our patience. It is any wonder that we are also losing our joy as a society.
James is reminding us that every problem, giant, obstacle, or inconvenience is an opportunity to exercise our faith. As we do, our faith grows as does our trust and in God. We begin to rely more on Him and less on ourselves. This teaches us patience that even when I don’t have something I want, I trust in God’s provision and timing. The more you lift, the less effort you put in on lifting equal or lesser weight.
The more trials we endure, the stronger our faith becomes, the more patience we develop, and the more weight of glory we can bear.
Application:
Repent of complaining when going through trials. Learn to think of them as resistance training for your faith. Trust is a choice, not a feeling. He will get you through it and you will be better on the other side. This should produce joy in you. Remember, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)!
Prayer:
Lord, I love You. Help me to have Your perspective and to rely upon Your strength. I ask for Your help in my struggles. Walk with me through this valley and help my faith to grow. Help me to walk with joy as you develop my patience in adversity.
Worship: