June 24 A Strong Faith… James 1:2-3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)
Our Faith is often tested! Interactions with our friends, neighbors and strangers, will ultimately offer opportunities for us to be challenged and tested. James tells us that we need to have a different mindset than the average “Joe” on the street! He clearly shares the attitude that we should embrace, when he says, “Count it ALL JOY when you fall into various trials!” Trials, Troubles, Conflicts, Challenges, ARE GOING TO COME, so, how do we react? The experiences of life should teach us to appreciate God’s promises and His gift that come with our testing! Trials, for the believer, will always produce PATIENCE! Another word for PATIENCE, in this promise, is PERSEVERANCE! Staying focused on what is true and noble and righteous and edifying to God, we can “HANG-ON” and succeed, regardless of the obstacles! Life is not easy and the challenges are often overwhelming. Praise God! He has promised VICTORY! We need to embrace HIS VICTORY! The Scriptures tell us that we will have issues as we navigate through this life; yet, it offers hope for the struggle. John 16:33 clearly spells out the issues, when it says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” When we are HIS, and HE is in us, then, WE ARE OVERCOMERS! He Promised, I Believe and that is a “Done Deal!” Please do not fret or fear the challenges that are ahead, because God has positioned us to OVERCOME! Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This promise is not empty! When we are obedient to Him, BLESSINGS WILL FLOW TO US! Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING can or will keep God from honoring His Promises to us! COVID19, POLITICAL CHAOS, SOCIAL UNREST, nor anything else will affect His flow of blessings to us. Situations or circumstances; never alter the Plans and Promises of Our God! So, the message for today is simple! Claim His Provision for Salvation, Receive His Blessings, Walk in FAITH and OBEDIENCE and be prepared to be BLESSED!!! We are OVERCOMERS! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Remember, we are OVERCOMERS, through the Blood of Jesus and that faith, that fact, that truth, IS ALL THAT WE REALLY NEED!!! THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, I AM JUST PASSING THROUGH! I do not know what calamities and troubles and depravities are to come, yet, I am assured that, as a True Believer, I am an “OVERCOMER,”AND I AM TO BE THE LIGHT OF JESUS, and I know that I will be successful, because HE PROMISED, and I BELIEVE IT, and I CLAIM IT! How about you? Are you an “OVERCOMER?” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!