The Dark Moments In Our Life Part Three

 James 1:1-8


1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

Greetings.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

There are three main principles you can learn when we face adversity.  First, adversity is God’s choice tool for building godly, spiritual character into our life.  Until we experience heartache, disappointment, and pain, we are not properly equipped for service (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).  God uses adversity to mold and shape us.  He does not bring it into our life without purpose.

Second, adversity usually comes in the areas where we feel the most confident.  God wants to break us of the idea that we are sufficient on our own.  He made us for a loving intimate relationship with Himself, and at times He will use adversity to remind us of the fact that we are dependent on Him.  “I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Third, God’s ultimate purpose is to conform us into the likeness of Jesus.  Through adversity, God develops love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in us (see Galatians 5:22-23).  He uses difficulties to get our attention, reveal weaknesses, remove pride and self-centeredness, increase our aversion to sin, demonstrate His faithfulness, prepare us for future service, and enable us to comfort others who are also facing adversity.

When we face dark times, we need to keep our focus on God.  Remember that He understands what we are going through and that He cares about us.  Allow Him to do what He needs to do in your life and don’t resist Him.  Be confident that He will see you through and that He cares about you.  When He does and you look back on the situation, it will all be worth it.

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