Suffering is Part of the Plan

James 1:2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. (NRSV)

Think back to the last time that you suffered physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually. And right in the middle of that, right when it was happening, could you see what God was up to, or not? Did there seem to be a point to it, or not?

None of us enjoys suffering. I certainly don’t, and I’m pretty sure that you don’t either. But suffering is a normal part of life and God tells us that when we suffer, we should consider it nothing but … pure joy!!

Come on! Is that bizarre or what!? Well, let’s take a look:

James 1:2-4 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. (NRSV)

It seems that God’s amazing plan is that as we face trials of every kind, as we suffer through those, He will strengthen our faith. That’s one of the main reasons for suffering; to build up endurance in your faith, just as an athlete does through constantly pushing his or her body beyond its limits in training.

So far, my record for bad days in my life is that I’ve survived every one of them just fine. That’s a one hundred percent survival rate, and there have been some shockers in that lot, I have to tell you.

As I look back on them, I can see how the Lord carried me through, how He cared and provided for me, how He grew me and moulded me and how He’s used every one of those bad days for good in my life.

Isn’t it amazing how the trials and suffering mature us so that, more and more, we’ll be complete and lacking in nothing?

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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Faith Mwaniki

Hi Richard, Thank you very much for those encouraging words. We’re so glad to know that you were blessed by that ...

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Hi Richard,

Thank you very much for those encouraging words.

We’re so glad to know that you were blessed by that message.

To God be the glory!….



Faith Mwaniki

Hi Alicia, thank you very much for sharing. Indeed God is with you and His plans for you are for ...

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Hi Alicia, thank you very much for sharing. Indeed God is with you and His plans for you are for good!…..Blessings!.



Alicia

This reading, like all this week is especially pertinent to my life and is reinforcing a Godly perspective on my ...

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This reading, like all this week is especially pertinent to my life and is reinforcing a Godly perspective on my situation. I’m going through a fought trot as some say. However God is with me and has a plan. Thank you for a daily devotional that speaks straight with the truths of God’s to my heart- it means more than you know. God Bless and keep up the great work.



Ione

My spirit is lifted! I’m in hospital and have had several procedures last few days. I know God is with me constantly ...

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My spirit is lifted! I’m in hospital and have had several procedures last few days. I know God is with me constantly carrying me through each test! Thank you for your daily messages. Praise God!



Lisa

I truly needed to hear this. Thank you

I truly needed to hear this. Thank you



Gaye Mwelwa

I needed to hear this. Thank you

I needed to hear this. Thank you



Phillip Dunsby

I just love reading your messages every day.. they inspire me on my sometimes confusing journey with Jesus thank you ...

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I just love reading your messages every day.. they inspire me on my sometimes confusing journey with Jesus thank you God bless



Ann

This is so true , I got to know God 28yrs ago ,and that is when my sufferings started and have never stopped, satan has ...

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This is so true , I got to know God 28yrs ago ,and that is when my sufferings started and have never stopped, satan has tried so hard to turn me away from God,I look back on my sufferings and it has taught me to be a more compassionate person to other people, my life has been like the Job story, but I won’t turn against God , because Gods plan will be 😇



kathy paloma

I very much enjoy the short video clips. I can listen while preparing for the morning or during the day when I have ...

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I very much enjoy the short video clips. I can listen while preparing for the morning or during the day when I have lost my glasses. LOL. very helpful and something to think about during my day. !



Richard Fernandes

Your article on “, suffering” was extremely motivating and provides self-confidence.
Richard

Your article on “, suffering” was extremely motivating and provides self-confidence.
Richard