My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1: 2-4 NKJV
The first time I read James 2 I about closed my bible in frustration. Here was James, the brother of our Lord Jesus telling us to "consider it all joy" when we fall into the various trials that are associated with everyday life here in our human world. Hey James, walk a mile in these shoes then come and tell me about your joy! Forget the fact that the author was more than likely persecuted before and after losing his own brother on a Roman cross. How can some guy who I never even met give me advice on the pain in my life?
So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6: 16-17 NKJV
To my knowledge, very few people have seen the legions of angels who have been tasked with protecting Gods children in their times of need. The prophet Elisha's companion in 2 Kings 6 was a different story however. This young man awoke that morning to the sight of the enemy army encamped around his city. Of course, one thing he DIDN'T see was just how many of the heavenly hosts were arrayed in his defense. That is, until Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened. It's no secret that we will all endure hardship in our lives, scripture assures us of this fact.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in the body the dying of the lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4: 8-11 NKJV
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a unique perspective on coming through the trials we will most certainly face in our daily lives. Yes, we are "crushed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down" yet there is a purpose here, that the life of our Lord Jesus may be manifested in our earthly bodies. Whoa! How special is this? Well, think about having the Lord Jesus always close at hand as you encounter troubles in your life. Well, that help is closer than you think. For if the life of our risen Christ resides within us, we never walk through life alone!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
I suggest a new twist on Philippians 4:13 here. Not only does Jesus strengthen us, Jesus IS OUR STRENGTH. For if Christ indeed dwells within we who have accepted him, then the strength we draw is from Him. In other words we...become He! Now, what power in all of the universe can overcome Him who can summon legions of angels? That is some pretty heavy stuff, as we go through life, we go through AS JESUS who is in us. I don't know about you, but I don't think I'd have it any other way.
~Scott~
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