by Caryl Moll
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that this past year certainly really does feel like a trial. This is why I was so touched by one of the ‘Bible You Version’ messages last week. And I’m sure they won’t mind me repeating it here today. It comes from the book of James:
James 1:12 NIV
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
I know that we all feel uncomfortable with all the many changes that we have had to implement into our lives over the past year. Perhaps, like me, you have found a new skill, talent, a friend or simply discovered a new way of doing things. Maybe you’ve created a new source of income for your family. Perhaps you’ve reached for your Bible more often, prayed more or found a new ministry. Or maybe you’ve simply discovered a new way of navigating all the obstacles that the pandemic has presented. Either way, I can bet that it’s challenged your mind to try our new ways of doing things. We’ve all had to think harder too and have had to persevere in this pandemic.
I’m not discounting the despondency that sometimes goes along with such large-scale and ongoing change and illness, but in the grand scheme of things these challenges can serve to make us stronger.
The message of James really made me think…
Although change doesn’t sit nicely with most of us, it certainly grows us. If we recognise it as exactly that – a trial – it becomes easier to deal with. We have learned that the ‘status quo’ of the difficulty probably won’t last. We will overcome. Trials are temporary. We can see them as a challenge – like training for a marathon.
So, this is the simple message for today…
Hang in there. You are blessed in this trial. Keep your focus on Jesus. Let’s all persevere together and look forward to the crown of life at the end.
With love, in Christ
Caryl
