Don't Waste Your Pain

The best thing to happen to you...Hmm
 I bet you are thinking I am going to say:

a new job

a great spouse

obedient kids

ideal vacation

money in the bank

 but, no, none of these are what I want to talk about today.
 The best thing to happen to you is a trial. Yes I said it, a TRIAL.
 What???
 Why would a trial be the best thing to happen to you?

James tells us in chapter 1:2
           "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,"

You may say, "Well that's easy for James to say! He doesn't have my pain. If he did, he wouldn't say to count it ALL joy." 

But James shows us an amazing treasure if we could understand it.

You see, our faith isn't proven until we face a trial. When things are going really well our faith isn't tested. In fact, when things are going well in life we hardly go to the Lord. We feel we are doing a pretty good job, but then....when difficulty comes we go running to God.

"Please God take this problem from me! I can't do it anymore. I need you!"

WOW...I hope you see the error in this conversation. God is not our genie. He doesn't show up on the scene to put out the fire. 

He is: 
Almighty God
Prince of Peace
Our Savior
King of Kings
The First and the Last 

When a trial comes, how do we react? Do we go to God, seeking HIM rather than relief? Can you truly say you trust the Lord whether you are in pain or not? How is your prayer life when your pain is gone? I want you to really think through these questions today. This tells a lot about what you truly believe. 

You and I are standing on a road we didn't plan...

But God has it all planned out. He is in complete control and that should give you so much peace! Nothing that happens to you is outside His control. Amen. So in your pain, in your trial, thank Him! He is growing you and showing you your dependence on the Lord.

Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.