"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)

No normal person would unnecessarily seek to experience trials that leave one on edge. Yet the reality of life is that trials are inescapable, even for believers. Trials come becuse we live in a fallen world after all. The consequence of Adam's failure to heed God's command had far reaching judgment. "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life..By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return" ( Gen 3:17- 18).

If that were not all, yet we also experience trials because there is also some intrinsic value, no matter the pain. In life there is often a clear difference between one who has lived through difficult circumstances where another has not. Just as a tree that survives through blistering storms, trials can give us the edge and bark to endure any situation, of any consequence.

When a boat is on the lake every sailor prays and wishes for a smooth ride to the coast. But sometimes savage winds do come by, regardless, tossing up and down the boat. Very often in such helpless moments any sailor who might have been accustomed to rely on himself, will turn to God, especially as the storm appears overwhelming. Trials in themselves are therefore one way to help us lift our eyes to God, who in the midst of all we throw all our weight on him.

Today, whatever trials you may be experiencing, be yet thankfully, for in the end something beautiful is about to happen. This is why the Apostle Paul talks of "perseverence" through trials enabling us to become "mature and complete" in Christ!

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, for all the trials experienced in life, help me through the power of the Holy Spirit, look up to to you for strength and victory, this I pray in Jesus's name.