Recently, I have been going through a trying time because of work and I have been really studying the Word of God to gain more insight and to know the mind of God.
Of course the verse that currently applies to me most is James 1:2-4. But when I went to read it again, I noticed that we should actually continue reading James 1:5-6 and verse 13 too.
The one that I find most difficult is the first part, where we have to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" - which is terribly difficult and almost impossible when you are feeling down, or basically not happy at all. Its funny because I have been through stuff in my life that made me really sad, that I told myself next time I will never ever feel like that again. But yet when trial comes, you just can't help it LOL. How do you have pure joy??
Then you read on and it says why, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - which is very true, because after every trial in life I find that my faith has increased. Whether a little, or alot it does not matter. And I do find that yes, after persevering with God throughout the trial, I find myself a better and more mature person.
But it doesn't end at verse 4! The answer to how I can get pure joy and perseverance is in the next two verses. It says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - Now isn't that obvious? Its just that we keep relying on our own strength! We need to rely on God, ask for His wisdom to pull through our trials and obtain the pure joy from Him!
Dun just ask blindly though! Because it says, "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." - So dun just ask for fun, I need to seriously believe it from the bottom of my heart. Not easy *sniff*
And then finally, in verse 13 it says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - Now how cool is THAT!! God has already promised me the crown of life!! So whats that mere 3 weeks and 1.5 days more!?!? Its as small as a mustard seed!! HAHAHAHAHAHA
