Joy Through Trials

Good morning family it’s such a pleasure to get the opportunity to speak with you again this morning. The words of pastor Austin still ring in my ears and rattles my heart this morning. What do we need to do to “Grow by the Word”? What does this mean? God wants us to not set content with who we are and remain where we are. We should never be content where we are and never grow complacent. Yes, we all would love to be comfortable where we are at but Jesus said we would face trials, not might, but would.

John 16:33 NLT - 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

As we see here in John, Jesus tells us we will have many trials and sorrows. Not might will!

James 1:2-4 NLT - Faith and Endurance 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Perfect and complete needing nothing! Wow! Doesn’t that’s sound awesome? Of course it does, James says consider it an opportunity for great joy. Know that as we face difficulties of any kind we will have Jesus in our corner always. We will grow if we allow Him to grow in us through all difficulties. This will bring us joy.

I have come to a place in my walk that I think like this. If I’m content and comfortable I’m likely not following the will of God in my life, in my walk. I’m likely being disobedient in some way shape or form. I know Holy Spirit has been leading me for a good long while now to be seeking Him daily not just during a Bible study or church service.

Matthew 6:33 NLT - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

How do I seek but through the Word, I can’t know Jesus if I don’t know the Word. As I study the Word and as I develop my relationship with Jesus and God and Holy Spirit, I will grow in my understanding and I will increase in my prayer life. I will learn to pray without ceasing. I will walk in continual peace, especially when facing trials. I grow stronger in Him as I turn my back on this flesh more and more as I mature in Him. None of this is from comfort or contentment but from obedience to His calling on my life every single day and me replying with obedience, especially through trials and discomfort.

I have to learn from the leaders God has placed in my life and lead as Christ lead the church. I must walk in obedience. I must study constantly to show myself approved. I must listen and seek the Trinity in prayer daily. I must learn to discern His will in my walk and my life each and every day without thought of comfort, but in knowing He is my strength and He will bring me continual joy and peace. 

Father help me to discern your voice amidst the chaos of this world. Help me to remain in your Word daily. Help me to continually grow in my relationships with you the Trinity individually and wholly as one. Show me each day your will in my life and help me to never forget to seek you out daily. I ask all in the holy precious beautiful gracious wonderful name above all names, Christ Jesus, Amen!