Quote from Forum Archives on August 7, 2003, 2:01 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

This message provides some very important truths about
effectively persevering through difficulties and trials of all
kinds. The scripture is one that I've often visited and
mentioned to others. Today, I'll just let Neil Anderson share
his thoughts. I think he's right on with his comments.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

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NEIL ANDERSON'S DAILY IN CHRIST
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

August 7

PERSEVERING TRIBULATIONS

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
endurance (James 1:2, 3).

There certainly are a lot of distractions, diversions,
disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas which come
along to disrupt the process of becoming the person God wants
you to be. Every day you struggle against the world, the flesh
and the devil, each of which are opposed to your success at
being God's person.

But Paul reminds us that the tribulations we face are actually a
means of achieving our supreme goal of maturity: "We also exult
in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about
perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven
character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love
of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy
Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). James offers similar
encouragement: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you
encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James
1:2-4).

Maybe you thought your goal as a Christian was to escape
tribulations. But God's goal for you is maturity in Christ,
becoming the person He designed you to be. And tribulation just
happens to be one of the primary stepping-stones on the pathway.
That's why Paul says we exult--meaning to express heightened
joy--in our tribulations. Why? Because persevering tribulations
is the doorway to proven character, which is God's goal for us.

Our hope lies in proven character, not in favorable
circumstances nor in the manipulation of others. Neither
circumstances nor people can keep you from being what God wants
you to be. Trials and tribulations are the most common means for
bringing about His goal for your life.

Lord, help me see my trials as stepping-stones, not obstacles.
Give me grace to persevere and develop proven character.

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=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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