Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:2-3 HCSB
We’ve heard this scripture before… but this morning I’d like to focus on the other side… the side that says… ,”Lord, I’m kind of tired of the tests?”
Have you been there? Test and test, trial after trial, just wondering to yourself when you’ll reach the end of your rope?
Last weekend, as the normal Barnabas Man breakfast event took place, I sat outside the restaurant in the car thinking this very thing. As I did not notice any familiar vehicles in the parking lot, I said to myself, “I’m outta here.”
As the thought of going back home loomed in my mind, I said a quick prayer asking God for some contentment in my life. I asked for some rest and for some re-assurance of why and what all this life is for… To be totally honest, I was being a bit of a baby and began to build my case to God for my pity party.
Despite my attitude, something moved me to get out of the car and into the restaurant. As I opened the door my eyes met up with my brother, John, sitting at a table with his bible open. To my suprise, John was there, ready for study and breakfast and I was relieved the date wasn’t lost to no attendance.
Moving on throughout the breakfast, one on one, man to man, with no distractions or attention lost to anything but our time together, I was blessed with lessons, wisdom, emotions, and spirit building confidence that I pray was equally reaped for John from me. It was like we had talked together for years and were simply catching up from yesterday. John shared so much with me I was needing to take notes to be sure I’d keep it all readily available.
Count it all joy my brothers.. .
the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Over and over we meet and speak with people that have fear, doubt, shame, disgust… you fill in the blank… over their God, faith or life…
But we can’t stay there… we must move on the the blessings from the trials…
I was truly filled last Saturday morning so for your Monday I leave you with what John gave me..
Your life in Christ is either growing or dying… which direction are you headed?
count it all joy..
Barnabas Man 