Devotional from word for today

Saturday 1st September 2018

'So that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.' James 1:4 CEV

James writes: 'Be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything' (James 1:2-4 CEV). Trouble isn't usually something we're glad to have. We try and avoid it, or pray for it to end quickly. When life brings us to a low, we can become low and get tired waiting for the trouble to pass. Often we question God's goodness and nearness, and ask him, 'Why'? James tells us that through tough times we gain endurance and spiritual maturity.

And, Romans 5:3-4 (TLB) tells us: 'We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they... help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.' Tough times require us to really trust God for support. We realise that God has the best solution.

We may not get answers to our, 'Why', but what we will get, if we ask and genuinely want God's answer, is a 'How'. God will show us how he can use the situation we're in to develop us into who he's created us to be.

So what now? Next time you're tempted to ask God, 'Why?', ask him, 'How?' instead.

 

[1Kingservant]

I can give you New Testament too. Paul said he left Trophimus in Miletues sick... Paul himself said he asked God 3 times an affliction would be healed but God said " My grace is sufficient for you" ...
Jesus did heal of course. He still does.
I know the LORD I love is GOD.
I won't post again because you are obviously angry. I had no intention to upset you sorry ... But where is the peace in your answer to me. Very harsh. Where is that okay in Scripture? My mom passed away from many health issues... She is healed now. In a new body. Some people get healed now..some don't that is up to His Sovereignty. It is alarming you get this upset. Be careful not to attack or judge other Christians who believe different. I believe in the Word of God. All of it. It's important not to just pick and choose what we believe or don't. That is not studying the Scripture to me.
Anyway. I pray you are at peace I won't post again on this thread.
My intention was not to upset you.
Blessings

 

[Chanshi]

Saturday 1st September 2018

'So that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.' James 1:4 CEV

James writes: 'Be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything' (James 1:2-4 CEV). Trouble isn't usually something we're glad to have. We try and avoid it, or pray for it to end quickly. When life brings us to a low, we can become low and get tired waiting for the trouble to pass. Often we question God's goodness and nearness, and ask him, 'Why'? James tells us that through tough times we gain endurance and spiritual maturity.

And, Romans 5:3-4 (TLB) tells us: 'We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they... help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.' Tough times require us to really trust God for support. We realise that God has the best solution.

We may not get answers to our, 'Why', but what we will get, if we ask and genuinely want God's answer, is a 'How'. God will show us how he can use the situation we're in to develop us into who he's created us to be.

So what now? Next time you're tempted to ask God, 'Why?', ask him, 'How?' instead.

Am so touched by this message, I have been asking God why mewhy instead of how...may God bless you. Your text has just lifted a signal of strength in me even as I am going through a lot almost at a point of giving up.