Have you ever wondered why tough times happen to devoted Christians? I have, and I'm sure there are LOTS of reasons. But one of them is discussed in a letter written by a man named James, who tradition says was the brother of Jesus. He's explaining to fellow believers, among other things, why trials and temptations occur. He said, "the testing of your faith produces patience".
In other words, patience is suppose to be the 'fruit' of our adversity. And apparently, patience is so powerful it will cause us to be "perfect"(spiritually mature) and "complete" (lacking nothing, whole).
So what exactly is Patience? It's often translated endurance and perseverance.
My favorite definition, however, is "a consistent response".
When Jesus faced temptation, His 'consistent response' was "It is written". He countered the devil's temptation in the wilderness with The Word of God. I don't think we can do any better than to follow His example. When tough times, difficult circumstances, or the devil himself comes a-knockin', respond with God's word, consistently. Regardless of what it looks like and regardless of how you feel. And may I add, out loud. (The devil's a lot of things, but he's not a mind-reader.)
Here's how I summarize James 1:3
Testings come to find the Word of God operating in you.
Let God's word be a part of your inner make-up, fully functioning, and operating at full capacity. When the tough times hit, answer back with your own faith-filled declaration: It Is Written!
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17
Counting my Blessings,
Susy
Amen! "These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1Peter 1:7 NIV
ReplyDeleteWell written, Susy! I was just thinking to myself this morning that if we don't tell the devil what's bothering us, he won't know. If we don't speak it or show it, he simply won't know.
ReplyDeleteI know some things have to be said, and I don't advocate lying by saying you're fine if someone asks how you're feeling, but if we go around complaining about how we feel, or whatever the trying situation may be (with me, it's often health), then we are merely lining up our testimony with Satan's. The words we speak needs to line up with what God says about us. The more we do that, the more His Word sinks into our hearts and we start believing it.
I'm learning, definitely not there yet, but I'm learning. ;-)
I really like what Renna said. It's so much more than just positive thinking mumbo jumbo, but about attitudes, actions, and seeing God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteI love your version. I'll be thinking, "It is written." And be keeping my mouth shut around the devil!
ReplyDeleteJust what I needed to read this morning. I am starting a Beth Moore bible study on Wed. on the book of James. I feel like I just got a little preview and affirmation that I need to be there. I have studied that book twice before, but am in a different place in my life. I too will be thinking and saying outloud "It is written". You are a treasure, Suzy.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts, Susy. It is written is the perfect answer given to us by the one perfect person.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
A very good word--sure glad I hopped over today!
ReplyDeleteI love this pretty post, Susy.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping in today.
I'm not quite sure how I got here, but I'm sure glad I did! You have a wonderful blog and I'll be following along from now on. I'm going to go back with my cup of coffee and browse around some more! Hope you can pop over for a visit sometime!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Kim
My friend, Beverly, said I needed to read this post because we have just started the Beth Moore Bible Study on James "Mercy Triumphs" I too have read and studied the book of James many times but the Lord is using this wonderful study right now to minister to me as well as to others. I am so thankful "It was written" and that you shared.
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