God's Purpose In Our Trials

Life is hectic.  Life is hard.  It is easy to get overwhelmed.  I'm thankful that I'm not the only one that is overwhelmed though.

In the Bible, it is pretty clear that David and the Apostle Paul were overwhelmed at times.  In those dark and bleak situations, they called upon God and sought refuge in Him.  They realized they were not enough but God is.  God's grace is sufficient because God is still God.  He meets our needs and as he does he reminds us of our need for him.  Isn't this what Jesus was saying in John 15?

There are times when I don't desire to read the Word of God.  It is hard to describe.  I think it is mostly due to my own pride and selfishness (but not always).  I'm thankful for when God brings me out of those dark times to remind me of the power of God's Word.

I was reading in the book of James today and was blessed by the words (yet again) at the beginning of the book.  James says...

     "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing      of your faith develops perseverance (1:2-3)."

I've been encouraged by those verses at various times in my life.  Yet, today it was different because I realized that my ability to persevere is not based upon my ability.  It never was!  Yes, I am to strive and persevere and put forth effort but my efforts must be grounded in the gospel of grace or else they will be in vain.
As I persevere, I will be reminded that the tests God has ordained are for my good so that my faith (in God, not in myself) will be strengthened.  As tests come, they will either be an opportunity for me to praise God or for me to praise man.  Tests are designed to humble us and teach us more about who God is.
In school, I didn't enjoy taking tests.  But sometimes, I would look back on those tests and realize they made me a better student.
In life, tests are designed to make us better disciples who follow Jesus.
If we seek to "pass the test" on our own, we will always seek to justify our actions.

Lord, teach me to trust in you as I face each test realizing that you are good and every gift you give is good (including this test).  -- Based on James 1:12-18 --