Theme of the Week: Attitude of Gratitude
Bible Verse: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Scripture Reading: James 1:1-27
There are few things more difficult than “playing the long game” with anything. The long game takes planning, patience, and perseverance. The one requirement of playing the long game is that the goal, the prize at the end, must be worth the effort and the time. If it’s not, the chances that you finish the game are slim. The destination has to justify the journey.
In a sense the long game begins with an evaluation of the destination. This is why James can tell us to consider it joy, and not just joy, but pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. He’s telling us that in the long game of maturity, of not lacking anything, the journey through trials that produce perseverance is worth it.
Trials are to be considered joy not because of what they are, but because of what they do. Trials, when we must endure them, move us one step closer to the maturity that God is calling us to, one whisker or eyelash closer to looking like Jesus. Let’s be honest, being more like Jesus is the longest of all games, but it’s also the one with the best prize at the end.
Prayer: Jesus, it’s not always easy to look past my present circumstances. Life is hard. But I know that with you, whatever I am facing is never the end of the story. Help me to look at life as the journey toward you. Help me to see trials as your tools to grow me more like you.
Reflection: Ask Jesus to help you see more and further. Thank him for never giving up on making you more like him.
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