How you can be pleasing to God even in the most difficult times. part 4

The title to this series is important because as Christians we know that we face difficult times. How do we know this? We have already faced many trials in the past and the future probably holds much the same for us; and secondly, the Bible tells us to expect tough times as a way of validating our faith and causing it to grow. So, how can we face even the most difficult circumstances and remain faithful to God?
First, it goes without saying that we need to be Christian. The only way a person can be faithful is to actually have faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (NASB95) And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him

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It is faith in God that is the motivation for all we do. Our hearts cry out "Abba, Father" and that makes what we do acceptable to Him. Second, we need to understand that God brings difficult times into our lives to validate or test our faith. Third, we need to see each test as a way to propel us to greater faith. It is God's way of conforming us to the image of His Son, and knowing that we can count it all joy when we enter various trials. Fourth, when we find ourselves at a loss within a trial we have a God who is ready and willing to give us the wisdom we need to persevere through any trial. These four things were covered in the first three parts of this series.
There is one other thing that will help us get through the tough times. It will be easier to get through any trial when we keep our eyes on the outcome that God intends for us when we are faithful.

James 1:12 (NASB95) Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James wants us to know that the outcome of each trial, no matter how disturbing, is blessing. The trial has only one purpose in God's plan and that is to validate or approve the Child of God as one, who like His Son, has faith in Him. The outcome of that validation is the crown of life. Notice also that James gets back to the core of the motivation for a Christian. James writes that those who are approved and who receive the crown of life are those who love God. All we do in faith is done because we love Him and want to please Him. That is why it hurts so much when we fail in any particular trial. We feel it keenly and seek forgiveness as soon as possible.
Next time we will see why it is that we sometimes fail when facing a difficult trial.
Yours in Christ,
Jeff