August 27th, 2020

August 27, 2020Today’s devotion is based on James 1:1-2,  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”As a rule, we try to avoid going through the heat. We don’t like experiencing trials in our lives. But James, the half-brother of Jesus, challenges us to change our perspective. He says that God uses trials to make us better. In that sense, they are a blessing from God. Our gracious God has a good goal in allowing us to face all kinds of trials. Trials build and strengthen the character of our faith. The testing of our faith helps us to focus on the right things, eternal things. So, when God calls you to face all kinds of trials, don’t sigh and say, “Oh, boy.” Remember the goal that God has in store for you after you have passed through them, look up and say, “Oh, joy!”Please pray with me the prayer for today:  Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, help me to be faithful to you in trials so I may receive the crown of life you have prepared for me.  All praise to you. Amen.

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