“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.†– (James 1:2-4 ESV)
Think about a person who stands unagitated and immovable in spite of the fierce pressures coming against him. The Bible calls this quality ‘steadfastness’.
The Lord wants us to be people of steadfastness. He does not want us to sway and slip with every passing torrent. Steadfastness is built up in us as we go through various trials. That’s why the Lord exhorts us to be joyful in trials because every trial is an opportunity for building up our spiritual and emotional ‘muscles’.
Think about a body builder. Before he begins his body building program, his muscles would probably be loose and not so strong; but as he daily does this program, eventually his muscles become strong and powerful. This happens because his muscles have developed the quality of steadfastness as a result of withstanding pressures.
Similarly, the Lord wants you to develop steadfastness in your life through the pressures and trials that come against you. Consider every trial that you face today as an opportunity to become more strong and unflinching. And as you tackle your daily pressures with this mindset, you grow in endurance, boldness, vitality, and confidence in God. What the devil planned for evil will become a channel for success in your life.
– – – written by Joe Abraham (from www.gloriousliving.net)
I was going through a tough patch… but when I read this post.. my day was brightened.. thank you for the post.