How you can be pleasing to God even in the most difficult of times. part 2

So how do we get through the most trying of times in the most Christ-like way? As we touched on briefly last time the key really revolves around our perspective towards our lives and on the purpose of God for our lives. Is our goal for our life the same as God’s or would we rather see who dies with the most toys? If we are Christian our goal in life should be to be more and more like Jesus every day. With this perspective comes an understanding that we have not yet arrived and much work is needed. This kind of attitude is in tune with God’s purpose for us and will allow us to see the harshest of times in the most positive of light.

• Romans 8:28-29 (NASB95) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

God is at work in His children and is able to turn the worst of situations into something that works towards our ultimate good. In God’s eyes, turning us into the image of His Son is that ultimate good. With this in mind let us see what James says about the Christian and the trials that he faces.

• James 1:2-4 (NASB95) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The first thing that Christians need to do in order to take tough times in stride is to change the way they look at the trials they face. James tells us to “consider it all joy” when we encounter trials. James is not telling us that trials are joyous occasions because obviously they are not times full of joy. But what he is telling us is to look past them to the ultimate outcome and if we do that every trial can actually bring joy as we understand that our goal is being reached. If my outlook is such that to be like Jesus is more desirous than anything else, then whatever befalls me that contributes to fulfilling that desire will give me a joyful attitude toward even the toughest of trials. James tells us this when he writes that joy through trials comes by knowing certain things.

• James 1:2-4 (NASB95) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Paul said it like this.

• Romans 8:16-18 (NASB95) The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

James and Paul faced their trials “knowing” certain truths. What is it that they knew and want us to realize? We need to understand that God is at work in us and that everything we encounter will ultimately work out for our good. We need to know that trials are the way in which our faith is tested and stretched and the only outcome of a trial well done is conformity to the image of God’s Son!
Does this understanding actually make trials less painful? Well truthfully, yes and no. Trials will still be very difficult and disturbing but otherwise they wouldn’t be trials would they? On the other hand a difficult trying situation is much easier to take if we understand that the end of it all is meant to give us what we desire more than anything else. Truly then when I talk about my trials and tribulations I can think of them in a joyous manner knowing that they are the delivering system for that which I desire more than anything else in this world.
This is just the beginning of our journey, stay tuned.