In the book of James Chapter 1 verse 12 it reads
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
DA Carson repeats the above as the goal of the Christian when we are struggling under trial. For a while I have been meditating on this verse. Why I should remain joyful even though everything seemed to fall apart everywhere. I have been scratching my head over this but just yesterday – everything just came together.
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
Face trials & temptations I will, though it might not be the same as my sisters & brothers. Steadfast, endurance or perseverance is seen as the product of testing and the necessary ingredient that goes into spiritual maturity. Hence if we cherish the thought of being spiritually mature, we will value the virtue of perseverance. We will recognise that even we are going through things that this is for our good.
Earlier I mentioned about ‘everything falling apart’. Your trials may not be the same as mine that I know but we must remember temptations does not come from God for he cannot sin & knows no desire to sin and so he cannot to tempt you. Temptation is like a calling, the desire to sin calls out you and breaks you to succumb. All of us have a choice, we always do. To walk away or to give in to sin – You do want you want to do. Jesus did not try saved everyone but only those who choose to follow him. It’s all freewill. What will you choose to do?
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A while ago, I was feeling bitter about a repeating issue. Without extinguishing this worry, another avalanche came. My seas once calm felt rough and unpredictable. Over the week, I had time to go through my thoughts on another island. I mulled over the reasons what kept me where I was. And the Holy Spirit revealed something to me – Toxic Relationships.
“Alaska my child, you have been harbouring toxic relationships all these while. In order for Me to help you, you have to let them go. Will you let them go? This is your choice my child. My love will surround you, do not fear.”
I was taken back. My dear sisters have always been nagging at my to shut out images, memories, names etc. Yet I did not have the courage to do it. However I woke up this Saturday morning, with a blocked nose & hacking cough, I had never felt so calm and clear since the beginning of 2009. God had my toxic relationships removed in such a painful way – I should be thankful yet I was bitter before. What had gotten over me???
Then I recalled my journey of filling up my own wine cup. I was joyful, contented and patient. Yet with the turn of a wrong foot, I found myself not only with an empty wine cup, I became such a sad person who knows no joy in what she does.
With the removal of certain toxic relationships, I am will on my way to fill my wine cup every time I grow with the grace of God. Reading the bible and be refreshed in his guidance.
I pray for those whose wine cups have been emptied dry and lacking the courage to seek for answers. In the same chapter of the Book of James, verse 5, God’s answer is there.
5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Dear brothers & sisters, His grace is bountiful and it will be given to you when you ask for it. Hence, be brave to ask for help from our Father. In Jesus name, amen.

