Count it all Joy!

Our dog Bruno was a German shepherd with a double coat. He was huge and furry. He loved many things. He loved doughnuts, his daily walks, and car rides. But he hated somethings too. He hated it when we carried the small children who visited us. He hated it when the neighborhood exploded with crackers. And of course, he hated taking a bath! Giving Bruno his weekly bath was my responsibility and as soon as I called out, "Bruno, bath time," he would disappear under my mother's bed! She was his refuge at such critical times. He will finally walk to the terrace ears drooping, like a lamb being lead to the slaughter! He never troubled us during the actual bath. Once it was over, he will be thrilled and frisky, running around and enjoying the post-bath coolness! Sushil was helping me that day, and he observed, "Bruno is enjoying the freshness and coolness bath gives him. Then why can't he come willingly to have his bath?" How very true!

When we actually undergo trials, we are unable to see how they can affect us positively. When Abraham walked through his trial, he did not realize how it can prove his devotion to God. When Job endured his trials, he did not realize how they will prove his faith in God. When Joseph struggled under the trial of temptation because of the wife of Potiphar, he did not realize how it will prove his fear of God. The trials are never to destroy us but to show us the truth about ourselves. We sometimes brag about how strong we are in some area, but only when we are put to the test, we find out that we are not as strong as we thought to be. Looking back on my life, I can assure you that my trials and tears have made me what I am today and I thank God for them. At that time, they were not pleasant at all, but I clung to the Lord, and He sustained me.

My friend, our faith is tested through trials, not produced by trials. Trials reveal our true faith; not because God does not know it, but so that our faith will be evident to ourselves and to those around us. Looking back on your own life, knowing how your trials have been a blessing in disguise, will help you now in your present situation to count it all joy as James recommends!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 19th February 2019 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 20th February 2019

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