Opportunities disguised as trials.
One of the challenges most of us face in life is, not knowing what to do in times of trials/temptations. I have come to realise that talking about what the bible says and living it, are two different things. The bible tells us to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22). But, if you are like me, there are things you have gone through or are going through, and it looks like you don’t seem to see any light at the end of the tunnel. What do you do in such times?
Lets look at James 1:2-8
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Before we look at what we need to do, it is important to make note that trials and temptations don’t come from God. The word says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). There is nothing in the verses above that shows that divers temptations come from God. Just because it is an opportunity for your faith to be developed doesn’t mean God has sent the temptation. With that settled, Lets see what we need to do.
The first thing we need to do is, have the right attitude.
The only way you can “count it joy when you fall in divers temptations” is if you know why you are faced with trials and temptations. James says, “knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience” Our faith is always tried, but for a reason. In this case, James tells us that, it is to work our patience and that our patience may be perfect. When you get an understanding and attitude that the trials you face are meant to make you better and not to destroy you, you will be well equiped in going through them. Always remember that God is with you and for you regardless of what you go through.
Isaiah 43:1-2 says, But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
The other thing we need is to ask for wisdom.
In Proverbs 4:7, the bible says , Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
When we are going through trials, sometimes we tend to be discouraged, get into worry and fear, because we are over whelmed and have no idea on what to do. James gives us the answer here by telling us that if you lack wisdom regarding the trial you are going through and want to know what to do, ask God for wisdom. It is important to know though that wisdom is the right application of knowledge. You need to have knowledge of God’s word in order to receive wisdom from him. That is why it is very important that we store the word of God in our hearts. It is through his word that God will give us wisdom.
The other thing we need is faith.
When we choose to ask God for wisdom, we should believe that he is going to give it to us and that we are going to have to rely on him alone, and not on our own understanding or the world’s system. Remember that, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” In other words, you cannot profess to be trusting in God and man, yourself or the world at the same time. When we ask God for wisdom, we need to fully believe and wait on him for the answer.
I hope this encourages you and helps you face trials with confidence, knowing that God is with you and for you, and that trials are opportunities disguised as trials.
Stay blessed and keep the faith.
Moses Kangave
