JAMES 1:2-4 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

THEME OF THE DAY: WHEN TRIALS COME.  We sing a song in our church by Keith and Kristyn Getty. Its title is “When Trials Come”.  Please read the title again. It isn’t “If Trials Come”, but “When Trials Come.”  Slowly meditate on the hymn, maybe sing the lyrics, if you know the melody.  If you don’t know it, search for it on YouTube® and be lifted up. This hymn brings much encouragement to the heart!

When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there his faithfulness is told
And there his faithfulness is told

Within the night I know your peace
The Breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow

I turn to wisdom not my own
For every battle you have known
My confidence will rest in you
Your love endures, your ways are good
Your love endures, your ways are good

When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in its shadow I shall run
Til you complete the work begun
Til you complete the work begun

One day all things will be made new
I’ll see the hope you’ve called me to
And in your kingdom paved with gold
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old.

PRAYER: Father, thank You my trials are sent for my good, and that they are only for a season.

REFLECTION: When God sends a trial, He also sends the promise of His power and presence in the trial.