It can be easy to hold the mindset that God is far from us when we have trials. Or even worse, think God is causing the trials. Trials are just a part of life, plain and simple. Perseverance exists because we are guaranteed trial. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” He has overcome the world. That means that regardless of the circumstances you can have peace because your position in God has not changed.
Perseverance and patient endurance are the vehicles that aid us in moving forward regardless of what is happening. Your position in God is not determined by your trials (the fact that you have them), it’s determined in your refusal to give up. Your position is proven in your determination and continual action to work it out. To make adjustments. To unlearn incorrect thinking and acting, for the purpose of learning and applying the truth and function.
This is why in James 1:2-4 he says, 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.”
Trials create the “testing of your faith”. Faith is belief in the truth. Belief is when you conform to an idea. That idea becomes part of the filter that you view the world, God, yourself, situation and circumstances through. That filter is tested through trials.
For example, here is the truth:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4
Let’s say, that we are finding ourselves being easily frustrated. We are quick to freak out and finding it hard to have any kind of patience or grace. This is a trial that tests our faith. This test is multiple choice. Trials give us options in what we chose to believe in.
- Fear
- Doubt
- Condemnation
- Justified
What are you going to CHOOSE to believe in? Fear, doubt, condemnation, guilt, shame, which are all options, they just don’t have anything to do with the truth. This trial and test creates the opportunity to believe the truth above your emotions and circumstances. It’s this process that DEVELOPS perseverance and patient endurance. These things create character, maturity, completion, hope, the crown of life promised to those who love Him.
We have been justified once and for all. We are learning how to operate in this reality and position. We are continually being transformed and conformed into the image of His Son. You are not disqualified because you find yourself in this process. This process strengthens and proves your faith.
Your circumstances don’t dictate your position in God. Your position in God dictates your response and mentality in your circumstances.
D) JUSTIFIED!!!!!!!!!
Faith proved! A+