Strengthened In The Presence Of God Prøve

PERSEVERANCE Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 James says we should consider it joy when we face trails, for when our faith is tested we will develop perseverance. And the apostle Paul says in Romans 5:3-4, “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” If you read the Bible, you will see that all of the Bible characters have been through the fire of sufferings and tribulations. Our Lord Himself has paid the ultimate price for you and for me. When someone suffers, some Christians will say, “There must be sin in your life. That’s why you are suffering.” I do not agree with this viewpoint. My God is the good God. He does not walk around looking for sin in our lives so that He can throw us into trials and tribulations. I would not want to serve a God like that. We do suffer, but only because we live in a broken world, not because God wants to punish us. However, God can always use our suffering, trials and tribulations to strengthen our character, faith and our hope in Him. He calls us back to Him through our suffering. This is the God I worship. And I want to exhort you today, as the fire in your life gets hotter, draw closer to Jesus. He will be your shield and your strength. Lord Jesus, Thank You that You paid the ultimate price for me. Be with me always in my life, especially in times of trouble. Strengthen me so that I will persevere in my faith in You. Amen