August 1, 2007
READ: James 1:1-8
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. James 1:2
Ill never forget the time during college when, after I had finished writing a big paper that was due the next day, I heard a loud commotion in the room across the hall. My neighbor was in a state of panic, throwing stuff around his room looking for his paper. Frustrated, he banged his fist against the closet and shouted, Thanks a lot, God. You make life one big laugh!
I might have given him an A+ for theologyat least he knew that God was ultimately in chargebut an F for his response to the problem.
For those of us who get mad at God when life takes a wrong turn, we need a good dose of biblical therapy. So, welcome to Wall-Bangers Anonymousa two-step program toward a positive, God-honoring response to pain.
Step One: Think straight about trouble. Its not only inevitable, its indiscriminate. Trouble comes in all shapes and sizes. Various trials (James 1:2) affect our health, our careers, our relationships. Once we understand the facts, we can begin appreciating their significant value in our lives.
Step Two: Trade resistance and resentment for receptivity and rejoicing. Count it all joy (v.2). The joy is not in the presence of pain but in the knowledge that God is using our pain to refine us and make us better, not bitter.
Thank you, Mayor..very important lesson to remember!
Good morning/afternoon, Rus!
Hope you are having a great week and are staying busy.
Try to stay out of the heat whenever possible!
Thanks for our beautiful lesson from God’s Word!