Make Room- Day 16
DAY 16 – MAKE ROOM FOR ENDURANCE
Scripture: James 1:2–4 (with 1 Peter 4:12–13; 1 John 5:4 as supporting
passages)
passages)
EXAMINE
James says “WHEN” not “IF” you meet trials, and often times we are surprised
when a hardship comes our way because it interrupts our illusion of control. He
calls us to welcome them, because ALL trials and difficulties have the
opportunity to produce joy, not because the trials are pleasurable. When we lift
our gaze we see the end results (1 Peter 4:12–13). James is not saying that God
authors our suffering or trials, but permits such experience, and works with us in the midst of them to produce a deep joy and character that radiates from
Christ. To embrace trials and difficulties is impossible on our own, but we have a God who meets us where we are, and walks patiently with us through them.
Patient endurance is key, because while we value pleasure, God values a deep
character. We want a quick, one-time rescue; God shows up daily to heal and
restore us into eternity. Our faith starts to grow when we get tired of trying to save ourselves or avoid hardship, because there, we start to trust God more fully and ourselves less (1 John 5:4).
APPLY
James says “WHEN” not “IF” you meet trials, and often times we are surprised
when a hardship comes our way because it interrupts our illusion of control. He
calls us to welcome them, because ALL trials and difficulties have the
opportunity to produce joy, not because the trials are pleasurable. When we lift
our gaze we see the end results (1 Peter 4:12–13). James is not saying that God
authors our suffering or trials, but permits such experience, and works with us in the midst of them to produce a deep joy and character that radiates from
Christ. To embrace trials and difficulties is impossible on our own, but we have a God who meets us where we are, and walks patiently with us through them.
Patient endurance is key, because while we value pleasure, God values a deep
character. We want a quick, one-time rescue; God shows up daily to heal and
restore us into eternity. Our faith starts to grow when we get tired of trying to save ourselves or avoid hardship, because there, we start to trust God more fully and ourselves less (1 John 5:4).
APPLY
We don’t enjoy trials; most of us do everything possible to avoid them. Trials and testing are profitable to test our faith and reveal where our faith is actually
placed. When we meet trials with patience, we open ourselves up to the
opportunity to become more and more like Jesus—perfect, mature, full-grown,
complete, entire, perfect in every part, lacking in nothing, deficient in nothing,
wanting nothing. There is an old tale about a man who lived out in the desert
about seven miles from water. He said to himself one day, “What need is there
for me to endure this toil? I shall come and live near the water.” And saying this,
he turned about and saw one following him and counting his footprints. He
questioned him saying, “Who are you?” The follower answered, “I am the Angel
of the Lord. I am sent to count your footprints and give you your reward.” At this,the old man’s heart grew stout. Renewed, he set his cell further from the water. This little story and James chapter 1 are encouragements that God is still with us, working in us and with us to be “perfect and complete,” which is only found in Christ. Do not surrender, for not a single footprint is wasted in the Kingdom of God.
placed. When we meet trials with patience, we open ourselves up to the
opportunity to become more and more like Jesus—perfect, mature, full-grown,
complete, entire, perfect in every part, lacking in nothing, deficient in nothing,
wanting nothing. There is an old tale about a man who lived out in the desert
about seven miles from water. He said to himself one day, “What need is there
for me to endure this toil? I shall come and live near the water.” And saying this,
he turned about and saw one following him and counting his footprints. He
questioned him saying, “Who are you?” The follower answered, “I am the Angel
of the Lord. I am sent to count your footprints and give you your reward.” At this,the old man’s heart grew stout. Renewed, he set his cell further from the water. This little story and James chapter 1 are encouragements that God is still with us, working in us and with us to be “perfect and complete,” which is only found in Christ. Do not surrender, for not a single footprint is wasted in the Kingdom of God.
PRAY
Take a few minutes to sit in silence and reflect on the man from the desert and
ask God to reveal to you what areas in your life you feel that you are “enduring a toil.” Pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the God who loves you and is not letting a single footprint in your life go to waste. Ask God to work with you in developing the patience and perspective you need as He develops your joy in His kingdom.
Take a few minutes to sit in silence and reflect on the man from the desert and
ask God to reveal to you what areas in your life you feel that you are “enduring a toil.” Pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the God who loves you and is not letting a single footprint in your life go to waste. Ask God to work with you in developing the patience and perspective you need as He develops your joy in His kingdom.
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