THE POWER OF ENDURANCE
NOVEMBER 4, 2024
TEXT: James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Endurance can be simply defined as the ability to withstand hardship and challenges that may come one’s way. As believers, it is important to know that being a member of the faith is not an automatic free ticket from hardship, trials, and tribulations, as Jesus Christ even attested to in one of His numerous teachings (John 16:33). Trials are not escapable in our journey as believers, and the way we respond to these challenges indeed goes a very long way. Trials can be from God (for certain purposes known to Him) and can also be from the devil (especially when we willingly or unconsciously open the doors for him to strike).
What are the Purposes of Trials?
God, in His magnanimity, will not allow us to undergo trials that are beyond our spiritual bearing and capacity (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is always an underlying intention behind every trial from God. Below are some purposes of trials:
✅ Trials often come to refine one’s faith. There are some challenges that, once we go through them, leave us stronger and thereafter make us unshakeable by any such challenge in the future.
✅ Trials may also come as an avenue to develop or gain spiritual maturity. A challenge that doesn’t break us will, in one way or the other, make or shape us.
Tips on Practicing Endurance during Times of Trials
✅ Focus on God’s sovereignty. Always identify God’s sovereignty and supremacy in all trials that come your way, knowing fully well that no trial comes from God without an accompanying relief or means of escape.
✅ Demonstrate the spirit of gratitude during trials. Acknowledge God’s previous faithfulness to you and restate your belief in His ability to see you through your current predicament.
✅ Count it all joy. This simply entails that during the testing of your faith, do not let your joy depart from you. It is understandable to feel shocked and completely devastated at certain turns of events, but it is necessary to also ensure that such feelings do not overrun your joy (James 1:2-3).
SEARCHLIGHT: Any trial from God surely has a purpose, and the same God will not allow us to undergo a grievous and unbearable trial that will not reform nor glorify His name.
PRAYERS: O LORD, give me the grace to stay firm in the days of trials, in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Daniel 7-9, Mark 4
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
