Topic: The Turning Point 2 [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 11 May 2021
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Tuesday May 11, 2021
The Turning Point 2
Romans 5:3-4 (AMP), James 1:2-3 (AMP)
And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. *Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].
We began studying yesterday that everything we go through works out together for our good. But both our perspective and attitude greatly determine whether we actually experience the good that is intended to come out of the things that we go through. The varying perspectives and attitudes we studied yesterday untimely direct our focus away from what we can see and experience in the physical. Rather, they redirect our focus towards God’s word and promises. Today, we shall consider the perspective and attitude of rejoicing in our trials. Rejoicing in difficulties and trials is not something that is easy or popular, but it is very powerful and can be a turning point in our lives. Two things that help us rejoice in our trials are our consciousness of God’s love, presence and power with us and our consciousness that what we are going through is working out for our good in ways that eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and minds cannot imagine. By God’s love, presence and power with you, what you are going through has no power to sink or stop you. You will come out better on the other side. Your faith and character will be strengthened and developed.
Like Jesus, God blesses us when we suffer for doing what is right (1Pet.2:19-21). The early apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of God (Acts 5:41). The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh.8:10b). As we choose to remain joyful in our trials, the strength of God is stirred up in us to go through the trial and we are also able to receive God’s wisdom and direction for what we are going through (James 1:5). Let the joy that is set before you stir up the joy of the Lord in your heart.
Prayer Focus:
Pray and thank God for the grace He has given you to rejoice in your trials. Declare that you have a different perspective and attitude to trials.
Bible in One Year Reading Plan
1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3