Scripture Reading: James 1:2-18

It shouldn’t be hard for us to acknowledge that God is a big God. If you read your Bible or have gone to church for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard countless stories about God’s power, wisdom, and might. He’s the one that spoke the universe into existence. He conquered entire nations and armies without even lifting a finger (cf. 2Chronicles 20). Even the wind and waves and all of creation obey His commands. That same God tells us, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” (Isaiah 55:8) Yet, how quick we are to throw away these truths and fail to trust Him because of suffering and trials in life.

The truth is, no one wishes or plans for suffering and trials in life. But could it be possible that God’s plans and agenda for our lives look quite different from our own plans and agenda? Could it be that God’s best for your life is actually better than what you could imagine, but suffering and trials might be what’s needed to get you there? Understand that God hasn’t promised you happy relationships, comfortable surroundings, a successful career, or even financial stability (according to the world’s definitions), but what he’s promised is himself. So when you face trials and suffering in life, could it be that God isn’t loving you less but He’s actually loving you more? Because through your suffering, you have a chance to cling to the God who is better than anything else.

Do you struggle with questions of God’s love, faithfulness, wisdom, and goodness in seasons of hardship? In your trials, what might God be exposing about the things and people that you’re clinging to more than him? Spend time in prayer asking for God to fortify your faith and commitment to Him especially in the hard times of life.