"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." James 1:2
When troubles come, don't resent them as intruder but welcome them as friends. We should view trouble as joy.
Four Kinds of Trials:
1. Trials of Place and Race - our world is a fallen place and we are fallen race that's why death and sickness plague many. Horrific accidents are all part of planet damaged by sin. In order to overcome this we must remember to accept trial without bitternes or blaming God. We must instead be strong. "When I am weak then I am strong." (1 Corinthians 12:7). If we recognize our weaknesses and limitations, then we will turn to God to seek ways to become strong and effective.
2. Trials of Temptations - It is the pull of man's evil thoughts and wishes. In order to resist, the answer is "worship only the Lord thy God and in Him only we shall serve." "Read the Bible because the power of God's Word is an indespensable ally. "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
3. Trials of Identification - The world will hate you if you are identified as Christian. In order to overcome this trial, we should apply Biblical standards of righteousness wherever we are! We should commit righteousness and remain strong and have perseverance.
4. Trials of Discipline - If we commit sin God will discipline us. "Our Lord God disciplines us. He also punishes us." "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction: for whom the Lord loves He corrects." (Proverbs 3:11). But God's discipline is corrective. It comes with pain to alert us to get back on right track. Sickness and trials are God's discipline to return back to Him.
(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon's Messages at Odiongan Baptist Church Sunday Worship Service)
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