Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 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.
James 1:2-4
OK, so I know that for most of us we just got out of school for the day, but right now we are headed to a different kind of school–God’s school. God’s curriculum include:
- Joy to encourage us
- Love to strengthen us
- Success to build our confidence
- Suffering to force us to depend on Him
- Enough confusion to make us seek His face
God wants us to bask in His presence. He wants to help build up our faith. Faith requires risk (look at the last chapter) and faith requires perseverance through “beauty from pain” moments. David Nasser says, “Difficulties, failure, rejection, and confusion are God’s way of saying, ‘Hey, I’m over here! I’ve got something terrific to teach you. Pay attention.'” Growth happens in how we respond to what is going on around us. Everyday we must make the conscious decision to trust God’s plans….He knows what is best for us!
