Ponderings from Sunday

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:2-4

But we should ask ourselves...

"Are these trials in my life because I want my own way or because God wants His way with me." (as spoken by a visiting missionary at church this week)

Excellent question. Because if God is at work, we can rest in the assurance that He is working on our character, producing more of His character within us.

But if it is our own nature at work, then we must take heed and release our selfish desires over to Him.

And if you aren't sure, you can certainly ask the source of all wisdom for help in sorting this out because as the next verse (verse 5) assures us...

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Just the thoughts I have been pondering and praying about today.