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.
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
I often hear Christians express their desire to grow in the knowledge of God and in faith, to have more anointing, wisdom and patience. There are even those who say they want to be like Moses, like Samuel and live at least once in their life the relationship that David had with God. I firmly believe that their desire is real and sincere, except that they are not ready to accept the sacrifice that it requires.
Like them, there was a time when I was willing to dedicate time to prayer, fasting, and the word to know God better. But we should never talk about trials and suffering with me. This should not be part of the deal to become like David, like Moses, or anyone else in the Bible that I would like to be like. I never really understood it until the Holy Spirit revealed to me the true meaning of this verse: "No one can grow in faith without going through trials." It is an obligatory path, no one can avoid it.
Note that James does not define a specific type of trial, but he clearly mentions "trials of many kinds". This includes life's difficulties, sickness, persecution, whether from our enemies or our relatives. Regardless of the level of stress encountered, the type of trial and its duration, you must always aim for the result that it will bring into your life: faith and perseverance. It is by looking at them from this angle that you will come to consider them as a subject of complete joy. The tests of our faith are part of the growing process.
May the grace and the peace of God be with you all.
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