Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.     James 1:2-4 HCSB

Let’s be really honest, most of us don’t jump for joy when the going gets tough. Most of us don’t say, “Yay, an opportunity for growth!” But here James said we should be happy when we face trials and tribulations. I believe the tougher the trial, the stronger we become and the more it builds endurance. But I must say, I haven’t reached the point where I jump up and down for joy when a trial comes my way. Not at first anyway. First, I have to remind myself of Romans 8:28 which tells us all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. I love the Lord and try to do all He calls me to do so I am confident that whatever he brings my way, He will work out for my good. But in all honesty when a trial comes my way, I get a little anxious. Of course, the Bible has a verse for that also. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us we should not be anxious about anything but should pray about everything with thanksgiving and let our requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

I think as mere mortals the biggest problem is our perception. Perception is defined in a number of ways, but in essence it relates to how someone experiences the world. You see some will perceive a glass that has been filled halfway as a glass that is half empty. They see it as lacking and incomplete. Others see it as half full or being capable of holding more. In the same way some of us see trials as something that could do us in while others see them as a chance to grow spiritually and become closer to obtaining spiritual maturity. My friend said when her husband faces a trial, he describes it as an opportunity which I think is an awesome way to look at it. It’s certainly how James tells us we should see it.

There are numerous passages in the Bible that tell us not to fear and not to be dismayed for God is with us. Isaiah 41:10 is one of those verses which goes on to say, “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” How awesome is that? God won’t only be there for us no matter what we face, but He will hold us up with His own hand.

In the last sermon our former pastor gave before his passing, he told us that a grumpy Christian is an oxymoron. I think we could also say that a worried Christian is an oxymoron. He had previously given sermons saying it was a sin to worry. When we perceive that the glass is half empty it can lead to stress and anxiety. It can lead to us doubting God. We don’t want to fall into that trap. This is simply us believing the devil’s lies. The devil wants us to believe that God doesn’t care about us and the troubles we are going through. The devil wants us to believe that not only is that glass half empty but there is a hole in the bottom, and it will be completely empty soon and we will die of thirst.

We have a choice. We can see the glass as half empty or half full. We can see trials and tribulations as opportunities for spiritual growth or we can see them as what will destroy us. There was a time in my life when I thought I would hope for the best and prepare for the worst. But I have come to believe in God’s word. I believe that He will work things out for my good even when that seems impossible because I believe that nothing is impossible with God. I trust Him when He says He will be with me. I trust Him when He says He will never leave nor forsake me. I trust His word when it tells me all things will work out for my good. I truly believe that He loves me and wants what is best for me. Why else would He send his only begotten son to die on a cross for my sins (John 3:16)?

Is the glass half empty or half full? Decide for yourself.

Have a great day!