Trials of Various Kinds

For those of us who live in Pennsylvania, this “stay at home order” is getting old. We all have places we want be and people we want to see. On a personal note, I haven’t seen my mom in many months, my daughters all have May birthdays with no parties, and we all miss going to church. God quickly reminded me about the Apostle Paul’s situation in Acts 25. He had been kept under house arrest for 2 years by Governor Felix. Felix wanted a bribe and Paul didn’t give him one, so he was stuck in imprisonment. In James 1, Jesus' brother tells us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

First, God is sovereign over all of our circumstances. This knowledge gives us great power because we know that even if things don’t go the way we expect it to from a human perspective, God is still in the midst of those circumstances with us and He will have His way. God is sovereign over every detail of our lives. 

Second, God speaks clearly when we spend time in His presence. His word is applicable to us and those around us. It is funny, we are being told to keep a “social distance,” but what we really need is to keep a “physical distance”. Those in our social circle need us more now than ever. Think of all the ways you can be an encouragement to others, especially if you spend time in God’s presence. You have so much to share out of your overflow. So pick up your phone, text, Zoom, and post encouragement to others. God’s Word is so relevant in this situation. 

Lastly, God grows us the most during hard times. Being stuck at home and seemingly unproductive is tough for us, but this testing is producing something in us that God might want to use down the road. He is stretching us and giving us perseverance for future trials. I love that God wants us to be “perfect, complete, and lacking nothing.” I am reminded that I have got a long way to go. 

I hope this gives you some encouragement today. Please keep praying for our college students as they finish this semester and our college campus during these crazy times.

Also, encourage some friends, family, or your small group to get involved by praying along with us!