Do you ever feel like the trials in your life are testing your faith? I can relate. Sometimes our trials include our marriage, friendships, relatives, jobs, finances, children, or our health. Although having trials in our lives is unavoidable, there is good news that stems from our trials.

James shared these wise words with the 12 tribes in James 1:2-3 (CSB),

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James did not encourage the tribe to have joy simply because they had trials, but to have joy because the trials produce endurance—and when endurance was in full effect in their lives, they would be mature and complete (James 1:4).

As an athlete, I have learned the benefits of the strength that comes from endurance. When I endure a hard long-distance run or an intense strength-training session, I become stronger and more conditioned. When I reflect on the words of James that state that the testing of my faith produces endurance, I remember that this spiritual endurance helps me to become mature in the things of God.

There are times when we do not know how to navigate our trials, but God is faithful to provide wisdom when we need it. When we seem the most lost, God gives us direction. Whether the trials that test your faith are caused by the economy, disasters, broken relationships, heartbreak, or anything in between, God can give you the wisdom to navigate those trials. James 1:5 declares,

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.

This promise in God’s Word that He will give wisdom to those of us who ask is always comforting to me. So often we need the wisdom that only God can give to navigate our trials. No matter the complexity or the uncertainty, we can count on God to give us the needed wisdom.

Streams in the Desert – November 19

• 202219 Nov

Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress, revive me once again! Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth! (Ps 71:20)

God shows us the troubles. Sometimes, as this part of our education is being carried forward, we have to descend into “the lower parts of the earth,” pass through subterranean passages, lie buried amongst the dead, but never for a moment is the cord of fellowship and union between God and us strained to breaking; and from the depths God will bring us again.

Never doubt God! Never say that He has forsaken or forgotten. Never think that He is unsympathetic. He will quicken again. There is always a smooth piece in every skein, however tangled. The longest day at last rings out the evensong. The winter snow lies long, but it goes at last.

Be steadfast; your labor is not in vain. God turns again, and comforts. And when He does, the heart which had forgotten its Psalmody breaks out in jubilant song, as does the Psalmist: “I will thank thee, I will harp unto thee, my lips shall sing aloud.”
—Selected

“Though the rain may fall and the wind be blowing,
And old and chill is the wintry blast;
Though the cloudy sky is still cloudier growing,
And the dead leaves tell that the summer has passed;
My face I hold to the stormy heaven,
My heart is as calm as the summer sea,
Glad to receive what my God has given,
Whate’er it be.
When I feel the cold, I can say, ’He sends it,’
And His winds blow blessing, I surely know;
For I’ve never a want but that He attends it;
And my heart beats warm, though the winds may blow.”