Blessings follow trials

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12 ESV

 Yesterday was quite a challenging day for me as my work laptop completely ceased to function, leaving me in a bind. To add to my frustration, today I encountered significant issues with my internet connection! The situation escalated when I realized that every single person I was interacting with was also experiencing the same connectivity problems. It was during this moment of collective struggle that I came to understand it as a divine test from the Lord. However, I found myself grappling with the question of why this was happening to me at this particular moment. Typically, I would have allowed frustration to consume me, but this time, I felt a different response rising within me. I began to ask God directly why I was facing these challenges. In my search for clarity, I reached out to a friend, and God used her words to convey a profound truth to me.

She explained that God does not want me to complain about my dislike for technology, especially when I rely on it for our business and ministry endeavors. Instead, He desires for me to cultivate a sense of appreciation for this essential tool that facilitates our work and outreach. As I reflected deeply on her insights, a thought was planted in my mind: I should choose to love this tool because I love God. The internet, despite its occasional frustrations, is indeed a gift from God! It has played a crucial role in helping us build and maintain communities during the pandemic and has provided us with an abundance of knowledge and resources. This knowledge, when applied to our lives, leads us toward wisdom, and God desires for us to become wise in our endeavors.

Furthermore, He wants us to appreciate everything around us, recognizing that EVERYTHING is a GIFT from Him! I am truly thankful for my friend who allowed God to use her as a vessel of encouragement because it not only deepened my appreciation for our friendship but also renewed my perspective on the situation. During this trial, I felt that my steadfastness was about more than just patience; it was a testament to my love and dedication to Christ in every aspect of my life. There are indeed aspects of life that He calls me to engage with or utilize that I may not enjoy, but I am learning to appreciate their value. The challenge with technology was one of the final lessons He wanted to impart, testing whether I could learn to appreciate it as a gift meant for my benefit.

So, I urge you not to feel discouraged when you find yourself being tested! Instead, remain in God’s presence through engaging with His Word, praying earnestly, and worshipping Him with sincerity. Ask Him to help you focus on the deeper meaning behind the trials you face, and I assure you, He will reveal it to you in His perfect timing. While navigating through these challenges, remain faithful to Him and seek His strength to endure. When you stand firm in your trials, you will indeed receive the crown of life that our Lord has promised! God is faithful to keep His promises, which is beautifully illustrated by the appearance of rainbows 🌈—a reminder that He is a God of His word!