Mature Suffering
Meditating on Trials – Part 2

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-4, James 1:12

Key Verse: James 1:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds

Yesterday’s devotional reminded us that as people in Christ, we have authority over our thoughts and the way we look at the circumstances of our lives. James wrote: Consider it pure joy…when you face trials of many kinds. This kind of perspective will never truly be in our thoughts without great intentionality. Our flesh will not go there without our spirit taking authority over our thoughts!

What must we do when trials come our way? The immature response will be whining and complaining; telling everyone who will listen about the awful things that have come to us! It is critical that God’s children mature in this area if we are going to truly be “the light of the world.” Mature suffering takes a different view of the suffering. Mature suffering clings to the great Shepherd of the sheep who equips us with everything good for doing His will, and works in us what is pleasing to Him (Hebrews 13:20-21). A mature sufferer immediately knows that God has a purpose in their suffering and He is good all the time!

Are you going through some things that seem really hard and unfair? Are you suffering in your spirit and/or physically? Take authority over your thoughts; don’t accuse God falsely. Don’t become a victim of your own thought! You are a child of an all loving and gracious God. He is always working for your good—even when things seem bad!

Father, I will trust your love for me even when things hurt me! In Jesus’ name, amen.