Life Challenges

“Is it really worth it to obey God?” Nearly every Christian at some point in his journey asks that question. Life seems so hard, very confusing, very hard and packed with lots of challenges.

In the book of James 1:2-4 says "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James further states on God's promise for an overcomer in Chapter 1:12-15 says "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

I love how honest James and the other authors of Scripture are about the struggles of ordinary faith. Scripture doesn't avoid the hard questions nor the harsh realities of living in a fallen world. The Scripture is full of interesting stories and graphically honest accounts about how things happen in a fallen world.

Often we hear throughout the Scriptures, hollow and desperate cries of the faithful who are confused asking, “How long, O Lord?” This is where we may be living today. James really shows us that he believes in a sturdy gospel, a robust gospel.

These verses remind us that because of grace we don't have to deny problems, avoid reality, explain around trials, put a smile on and act as if everything is OK. No, James exposes the rawness of human existence—a real heart with real pain and real struggle, but also a God who is awesome in His grace, incredible in His patience, and stunning in His wisdom.

Dear friends, you don't have to dress yourself up and make yourself acceptable to God. you can bring yourself to Him as you are. You can bring your questions to him. God will regularly take us where we hadn't intended to go in order to produce in us what we could not achieve on our own.

Remain steadfast in Him during the moment of life challenges for the crown of life is awaiting for you.

Be Blessed.