Bible Lesson: My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1: 2-4
Take a Moment to ponder :
The lesson from James reminds us to let endurance take full effect on our lives. To endure challenges it’s not an easy feat but, here we are told that as a people of faith it is necessary as it builds us up to be mature enough to the extent which one will not lack in anything. It has been a challenge to live in a society where the Covid-19 pandemic is raging, and people continue to pay scant regard for the safety of self and others. It has been a challenge for children to have access to education in the virtual space because of the lack of resources, it has been a challenge for the people who depend on daily wages to survive as workplaces can no longer accommodate them in the pandemic. It has been a challenge to hear about the number of deaths each day, as the infection rate continues to rise. How are we to consider these trials as joy and persevere in a time such as this when everything seems daunting?
We should remember that our faith is not produced by the number of trials we face, our faith is tested by our trials. Trials will come. Our Faith in Jesus makes us stronger in persevering. We must always strive to see Jesus with us in all that we face as we are never alone. The pandemic has changed our lives forever, but may our faith in God never waver, may we meet the days ahead though difficult, with joy, knowing that our Saviour is with us and we will never face our battles alone. Just keep going.
Practical Action:
Make a list of any trial you are facing. Be open with yourself. For each trial write three ways you think you can solve this problem. Pray about it. Try to apply the solution. A change in attitude is necessary for our faith.
Journaling helps in helping one reflect on one’s day-to-day life in recognizing how God is present and working. It helps us to deal with our trials and recognize how God can help us overcome them.
Let go of negative thoughts and speech. Try not to complain but find solutions in dealing with the problem.
A Moment in Prayer:
Come to us, Lord Christ, in your understanding love when all around us seems dark and uncertain, when our faith is low and we cannot feel you near, and we find it hard to pray. Come to us then, dear Lord, as you came to your disciples, in the darkest hour of the night, and let the light of your presence dispel our fears, renew our trust, and bring peace to our hearts, for your tender mercies’ sake. Amen
Contributed by: Nina-Rae Barrett, Priest in charge, Lucea Cure Hanover
