“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” - James 1:2-4 (NIV).
In the above verse we note three things. First, that our joy should never go away when faced with trials. Secondly, that our faith will be tested regardless. Thirdly that perseverance is for purpose, perfecting and making us whole in Christ.
Almost all God’s people had to persevere in their calling against less than appealing circumstances. Moses persevered against a restless team putting his leadership skills to test every moment that he had often to cry out in the wilderness against their obliteration (Exodus 32:11). Joseph persevered from being sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, but which all culminated in the delivery of his family. “You intended to harm me but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen 50:20).
The Apostle Paul persevered through jail, floggings, shipwrecks and being abandoned. “We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed but not driven to despair; we are perplexed but not abandoned; we are knocked down but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8-9)
Throughout the history of Christianity perseverance has been at the centre. After the early converts in Uganda were burnt on the reed, in 1886, by Kabaka Mwanga, the surviving saints had to persevere. The church as it stands today has bloomed because of that perseverance.
Whatever you may be going through, may you persevere in your faith. “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).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven and earth, today I commit to you all my trials that by your grace you enable me persevere to the end, to see the victory that belongs to you, in Christ Jesus!
Related upcoming events
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19/05/2024 - 20/05/2024 All day“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its part were many they form one body” (2 Cor 12:12)
In the body of Christ every believer has a gift that contributes to making the church whole. There are those who are gifted at intercessory prayers. Others have been called to a pulpit ministry. Then there are those gifted at leading worship and praises. Some others have the gift of care and empathy. The gifts in the church are indeed endless.
One way to know your gift is being able to reflect on what burdens you most. For example, if you have a great feeling for people who are going through tribulations and need comfort then most probably yours is a gift of empathy and care. There are those with a burden to share the truth and theirs is the gift of teaching the Word.
When God gives us gift he also enables us. For example, one who has been gifted with praising and worshipping by singing would naturally have a way with his tongue. That one gifted with preaching has the talent to move listeners with words. God gives us gifts to build the body of believers.Do you know your gift? If so, how are you using it for the building of the church of Christ?
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that you enable me use the gifts you have given me for the building of the church,
this I pray in Jesus’ name.
