15 Sep Memory Monday – Week 65
I can’t believe I have gone 65 weeks without sharing one of my all time favorite verses. James 1:2-4 says, “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.” I love this verse. It has been one of my favorites for 9 years now. When I was 21 I got really sick and found so much hope in this verse. We are told to consider it joy when facing trials!
This verse says, “when” you face trials, not “if” you face trials. Trials will come. You probably either just got out of a trial, are in a trial right now, or will be in a trial soon. But remember, trials are occasions for joy for those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior!
When we go through trials our faith is tested. That is why it’s good to always stay strong in God’s Word – the Bible. You never know when you are going to face the fire and if you aren’t prepared, then it might consume you. But, if you are strong in your faith in Jesus as God, then when you are tested your faith will be made evident to yourself, those around you, and God.
Not only is our faith tested, but when we go through trials and a time of waiting, patience and perseverance are produced. I know I’m not the only who needs a whole lot more patience. Isn’t it like God to mature us when we need it; to refine us and to grow us up to be more patient? When He matures us through our trials, we become complete, not lacking anything.
The best news is, if you have accepted Jesus as your savior, then you do not go through these trials alone or only with other limited people. God hears us and acts when we cry out to him for help in prayer. He helps us and rescues us from the trouble that we face when we trust that He is the all-powerful God who can do ANYTHING. Thank God for your trial. Let it be a time where joy, faith, perseverance, and patience are increased in you. None of these characteristics will happen if you go through your trial grumbling and bitter. The choice is up to you!
Gen Delali
Posted at 07:35h, 15 Septemberi looove this verse! i happened to use it for my post today too! what are the chances! 🙂 thanks for sharing, Caroline!
Kim Adams Morgan
Posted at 09:13h, 15 SeptemberThis is also my favorite verse. I just shared it in a little course I am taking. There is so much power and depth here. If one allows God in, their life could be transformed by our Father due to those trials.
Have a wonderful week, Caroline. Yeah for football season and the Cowboys.
Cassie
Posted at 10:07h, 15 SeptemberI totally agree that trials are what make us more mature. We talk a lot about spiritual maturity at my church and what it looks like to mature. Great post!
jennifer prod
Posted at 11:28h, 15 Septembertrials and suffering are so, so raw and painful when we experience them, but i truly believe they help open our hearts so that God can enter, and we can overcome by trusting and loving Him <3
Mia
Posted at 11:41h, 15 SeptemberI was not familiar with this verse but whoa is it a good one, amen!
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
Posted at 13:14h, 15 SeptemberSo true in that WHENEVER we face trials… not “if”. When I was young and immature in my faith I would get mad at God for allowing bad stuff to happen to me. I would distance myself from Him. However, I have learned that these trials are the time to press into Him. That’s perseverance. That’s faith.
Thanks for sharing Caroline!
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Joey
Posted at 13:15h, 15 SeptemberI loooove this verse! I have a weird thing that whenever things get really, really hard, I almost get excited. Because I know, I KNOW, something great is on it’s way.
Lisa
Posted at 15:07h, 15 SeptemberLove this verse. Thanks for sharing!
jenna @ dearest love
Posted at 16:11h, 15 SeptemberThis verse, I haven’t heard in a long time. It is such a beautiful and truthful perspective. Thanks so much for sharing! I needed to hear this. 🙂
Kara
Posted at 17:14h, 15 SeptemberAmen! Please remind me of this post whenever I’m going through a trial. You truly do a great job of having joy in the trials and have been an inspiration to me. Love you!
Megan Davis
Posted at 19:52h, 15 SeptemberIt’s funny how we often see the blessings of trials after they are over, but it is so hard to see it while we are in the middle of the struggle. Such a great reminder!
Sheryl
Posted at 20:25h, 15 SeptemberLove this verse. I believe every trial brings a blessing for us.
Elisha
Posted at 23:21h, 15 SeptemberSuch a great verse girlie! I can’t believe it took you this long to put your favorite verse on here! hehe
Jessi Otey
Posted at 08:06h, 16 SeptemberSo true! This is a perfect post- thank you for sharing!!
Tania // Run To Radiance
Posted at 09:25h, 16 SeptemberGirl I can’t believe you’ve gone 65 weeks period! So awesome.
Ursula
Posted at 09:38h, 16 Septembervery inspiring Caroline 🙂
Tiffany (A Touch of Grace)
Posted at 15:55h, 16 SeptemberCaroline, I don’t know how you do it, but the timing of your posts is always perfect. We are going through some major trials right now and have been so down and frustrated. This is just a reminder that we need to persevere and God will provide.
Thanks for sharing your impeccably timed post my dear!
Elisha
Posted at 13:21h, 18 SeptemberI have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. I hope you check out the link below and accept your nomination 🙂
http://waitingforbabybird.com/2014/09/18/one-lovely-blog-award/
Laura @ Making Baby Provence
Posted at 13:38h, 02 OctoberDo you mind if I steal this print with the quote on it? I’m giving you full credit, but I LOVE that verse.
Laura @ Making Baby Provence
Posted at 15:56h, 02 OctoberAccomplished! Thank you.
http://makingmoviesjealous.blogspot.com/2014/10/it-doesnt-have-to-be-perfect-to.html