Announcing the start of a brand new women's Bible study beginning Monday, September 27, 2010. We will be studying the book of Esther; one chapter a week. Check this site for daily posts (i.e., questions, comments and observations) to help us as we study together. Feel free to post your comments, questions and observations to the page, as well.
Each week's lesson will culminate on Saturday mornings with a teleconference to discuss the principles learned the previous week. The saturday teleconference promises to be a good time of fellowship as we share how the Lord is using the study in our daily lives. If you prefer to receive the week's lessons prior to the teleconference email abundantlifelessons@yahoo.com. Blessings!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Count it all Joy
…now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ… 1 Peter 1:6-7 (KJV)
It is a sobering reality that we are told to “count it all joy” when we “fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). Let’s consider why and how we can rejoice in the midst of trials. We can rejoice because we will grow in our faith. God allows trials to prove or test whether our faith is in Him or in something (or someone) else. When we demonstrate in the midst of hardships, that our faith is in God alone, we glorify Him. What’s more, our Lord assures us that when we endure life’s temptations, we will reap the spiritual fruit of patience and become more mature spiritually (James 1:3-4).We can rejoice because we are not alone in our suffering.
When He walked this earth 2000 years ago, Christ suffered trials, just as we do, but without sin (1 Peter 4:12 & Hebrews 4:15). He knows what we’re going through. So, as our High Priest and Mediator, He will give us grace to endure any trial, when we ask Him. Finally, we can rejoice because we can ask for help in our temptations. James tells us in verse 5, that we can ask God to grant us the wisdom we need when facing our trials. We are assured that our Lord will give us all the wisdom needed to endure any hardship that we may face and that He will think no less of us for our weakness. That’s plenty to rejoice about!
REFLECTION: What trial are you facing, or have you faced, that you can/could not rejoice in the midst of? Have you asked the Lord for His wisdom to see you through your trial? If not, won't you take a few minutes to ask Him for the wisdom you need, right now?
REQUEST: Heavenly Father, I pray for the wisdom to endure the trials and temptations that I am facing today. Please help me to stand strong and to remain faithful no matter how difficult things may be. Thank you, Father, for Your promise to never give me more than I can bear. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
REMINDER: God grants His wisdom and grace to see us through our trials.
It is a sobering reality that we are told to “count it all joy” when we “fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). Let’s consider why and how we can rejoice in the midst of trials. We can rejoice because we will grow in our faith. God allows trials to prove or test whether our faith is in Him or in something (or someone) else. When we demonstrate in the midst of hardships, that our faith is in God alone, we glorify Him. What’s more, our Lord assures us that when we endure life’s temptations, we will reap the spiritual fruit of patience and become more mature spiritually (James 1:3-4).We can rejoice because we are not alone in our suffering.
When He walked this earth 2000 years ago, Christ suffered trials, just as we do, but without sin (1 Peter 4:12 & Hebrews 4:15). He knows what we’re going through. So, as our High Priest and Mediator, He will give us grace to endure any trial, when we ask Him. Finally, we can rejoice because we can ask for help in our temptations. James tells us in verse 5, that we can ask God to grant us the wisdom we need when facing our trials. We are assured that our Lord will give us all the wisdom needed to endure any hardship that we may face and that He will think no less of us for our weakness. That’s plenty to rejoice about!
REFLECTION: What trial are you facing, or have you faced, that you can/could not rejoice in the midst of? Have you asked the Lord for His wisdom to see you through your trial? If not, won't you take a few minutes to ask Him for the wisdom you need, right now?
REQUEST: Heavenly Father, I pray for the wisdom to endure the trials and temptations that I am facing today. Please help me to stand strong and to remain faithful no matter how difficult things may be. Thank you, Father, for Your promise to never give me more than I can bear. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
REMINDER: God grants His wisdom and grace to see us through our trials.
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