Walking Through Trials
Walking Through Trials: Navigating the Storms of Life
When we last saw our heroes…
Stephen had just been stoned and was about to be buried. While his death had been a tragedy it showed the great faith of the followers of The Way which. This lead to many new members coming to Christ. While the episode delves into the political intrigue surrounding these events I want to focus what comes as the church enters this new phase.
While they face significant opposition the church continues to flourish. This didn’t sit well with the establishment and Paul’s zealousness for the law drives him to unspeakable acts the church is scattered.
And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. - Acts 8:1-3
God has, thankfully so far, kept persecution far from us here in the US. However as we have seen and heard in international news Christians are under attack. At times like this it is hard to reconcile the God who goes before us and covers our rear guard with this level of difficulty. Where is the God who has surrounded us with a hedge of protection, as we discussed last week. If my God is so good than why is this happening?
James speaks directly to us in the first chapter.
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. - James 1:2-4
There is a reason for even our trials. The storms of life have a purpose. I propose that the reason is to strengthen us for the work that God has given to us. Making disciples is hard work and it is not for the weak and faint of heart.
Good for us, God gives what we need the most for the work he has given us.
Picking up in verse 5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. - James 1:5-8
God knows the state of the world. He knows that in our Genesis 3 world there will be suffering. He knows that there will be pain. Life will bring pressures that we can’t imagine but God knows that if our gaze is set on Him and His Spirit is in us than we can persevere.
What happens when we try to figure things out in our own strength. One way seems good and then we look to the right and so does that way.
2 steps forward and 4 steps back.
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. - James 1:9-11
Don’t concern yourself with the ebb and flow of this life. It is better to be a tree planted by God. James concludes with this:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
So as we think through the trials that we face look at them through the lens of who God is.
- God’s character is impeccable and good.
- He gave us the freedom to choose to love Him or reject Him.
- Our freedom means people make bad choices (sin) and suffering occurs.
- God allowed His only Son to die to bring us back from the separation sin caused.
- Despite forgiving us, sin still remains in our mortal body.
- He uses trials to transform us to be more like Him.
- Therefore, rejoice in your trials as they conform you to His image.
- Because it proves He loves you!