Jim's the man!!

So, Josh pretty much brought it today at church. Lord knows, it's exactly what I needed to hear...no really the Lord does know...haha. Josh was just preaching on the book of James (which is my all time favorite book in the Bible) So I was rivited. James just has an awesome way of speaking to the everyday person. And speaks about the everyday problems we experience. There was a part in Josh's sermon where he said to think about the trials we are facing and it dawned on me as my list got longer and longer that James 1:2-4 is vital to our growth as Christians.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


As Josh was speaking I was just thinking to myself about how I view all these trials that I'm currently going through as so negative and how maybe if I would have done something different maybe I wouldn't be going through this right now. But you know, in order for you to reflect the goodness of the Lord it takes these moments in time to mold you into the person he wants you to be. And then these verses came to mind.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

When Paul was speaking to the Thessalonians he spoke a lot about the Lord's return - about keeping ourselves constantly prepared for His return. Paul was just a very strong speaker and these verses are just so black and white. Between James and Paul, they really paint a great picture of how to CORRECTLY deal with day to day issues. We get so caught up with how we want to deal with things we forget the right way we should. And trust me, I'm probably one of the worst people to deal with thing the way God desires me to. But I'm so darn sick of initially trying it my way and then, of course, turning it over to God after my way fails. And everytime, I look back and see where God's hand was in these situations and vow to give Him control always. Then the next trial comes and I just have to start off doing it my way again. It's not a one time decision to give Him the reins. Every trial. Every day.

This is a choice I am making. To make a stand today and everyday to have joy in the bad times, and give thanks for it ALL. And just hand it over to God. How else am I going to grow closer to the image God has created me in?