"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:2-4
Time of Devotion.
James wrote these words to Jewish believers dispersed throughout “all the nations”. Trials are universal. We all face trials sooner or later and how we respond in those moments of trial is important. Trials help us grow, they test our faith and ultimately should help us mature into a closer walk with Christ.
James says we should consider them “pure joy”. The very words he gives implies we have a choice. Choosing joy is hard to do! Our sons face trials with injuries, losses, difficult classes and even broken relationships. None of these things are fun. James doesn’t say we need to be happy about them, but he does say to consider them joy. The only way we can be joyful in the midst of trial, is to lean heavily on Christ. He alone, is our source of joy.
Call to Prayer.
Let’s pray that our sons understand that trials are a part of life and that walking through them will help their faith grow.
Dear Lord, thank you for our sons. Many of them are facing trials right now. You know the struggle that each one may be facing. Help them to choose joy over frustration. Help them see the bigger picture of life and that once they are through the trial, they can see how you were working to help them grow. Help us as parents to model this well for our sons. We know that you are bigger than any trial we may face. Help us persevere so that our faith will grow stronger. In Jesus name, AMEN.
The Week Seven "Call to Prayer" was written by Rod Gerig, a Taylor football alum, and father of #84, Grant Gerig and 2019 Taylor grad, Tyler Gerig.