Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Gift of Hard Times


Things can get rough in life... and it's often a humbling experience that makes us more likely to seek out the Divine.  We approach our Maker seeking escape from whatever troubles us.  Sometimes it could be money or ill health or a child bent to follow a more difficult path than we want to see them on.  Other times it may be the selfish temptations that come with our society's abundance that we look to Him to help us avoid.

I wonder if that's really what He would have us do?  I can understand asking for the strength and perception to overcome these follies, just not the avoidance of the experience.  Isn't that why we are here... to gain experience?
Consider these version from James, Chapter 1.
2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Is God not saying that holding to faith and working past life's temptations and trials is what refines us and makes us fit servants to return to His presence?
That's the most precious gift I can seek... not something to avoid.

1 comment:

latter-daymom said...

Yes, I believe that is what He is saying! We must have faith - and trials to help us in this life and the hereafter! Right now I would opt for fewer trials, however!