JOY THROUGH LIFE’S POTHOLES

My brethren, COUNT IT ALL JOY when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience – James 1:2-3

Life’s roads are susceptible to the blight of potholes. God’s Word guarantees that as part of the reality of our temporal existence, our faith will be put to the test. At one time or another, the highway on which we travel may fall out from under us. Or, if we are not personally affected by trials, we may know someone who is. Potholes are inevitable, it seems, if we’re going anywhere. Notwithstanding the array of potholes, we must drive on, focusing on God’s Word. His Word assures us that falling into a pothole is not the end of the ride. Life does go on with its callings and purposes.

Consider these living words:

• Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an OPPORTUNITY for GREAT JOY. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:2-4, NLT).
• …under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way (James 1:2-4, MSG)

• The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort…comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others … (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

• …we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are NOT CRUSHED. We are perplexed, but NOT DRIVEN TO DESPAIR…(2 Corinthians 4:7-8, NLT)

Are you stuck in one of life’s potholes? Don’t despair. You’re not alone. Jesus knows. You may feel broken or damaged, but there is a high calling, a greater purpose for your troubling experiences. Soon you will comfort others in their afflictions. Your light will shine on another’s dark and difficult path. Moreover, the potholes are not permanent. They are for a season. Above all, when time comes to step into eternity you will receive the crown of life. Hallelujah!