I can through Christ

So many times people think that when they accept Jesus Christ into their heart and become a Christian, all their troubles and trials will disappear only to find out that that is not true and they find themselves unprepared and discouraged.
Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you”.

You see, scripture is telling us that we will go through trials; the question is my friend, how will we go through them—as victims or victors. All too often we approach trials as being difficult prompting groaning and complaints because we don't understand the purpose for them. Trials come in many forms, they are a part of life and we need to be prepared now for when they come.

James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James compassionately identifies with them and says ‟my brethren‟. Meaning my brothers and sisters in Christ, he knows what they are going through; he too is going through various trials and persecution. Then he exhorts them, knowing that at this time they are going through these trials, he says count it all joy. ~ This is a remarkable command—we are to choose to be joyful in situations where joy would naturally be our last response.

Does this mean that we are to laugh through our trials? Absolutely not! James is encouraging us to have pure joy in the very face of trials. He is not asking us to pretend to be happy. Rejoicing goes beyond happiness it is an inner peace that only God can give us. Happiness centers on earthly circumstances and how well things are going here. Joy centers on God and his presence in our experience. It is possessing a spirit of joy, an attitude of joy and perseverance as we face the trials in our life.

This joyful attitude comes from knowing as we see in James 1:3 that God is allowing this trial in our life for a reason and purpose. That you can see the trial through His eyes and know that He will see you through it and that there is a greater purpose beyond ourselves that we are going to embrace.

The path of life is not always an easy path to walk, but one thing we do know as it says in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

It is not through our own strength but through Christ who strengthens us. And that is what this is about. Learning to Trust God to sustain us and help us in our Christian Walk - total surrender of our life to Him!