Bitter or Better

James 1:2-4 (KJV) Says, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

God never promises us that we will not go through trials in this life, or that we won't face temptations. In fact, it is certain that we will face various tests whether they are from God, the world, or from Satan himself. Temptations come from Satan in hopes that we will give in to them, and stray away from God. Trials come from God to grow and mature us Spiritually. We don't accept these trials and temptations as joy for what they are, but rather because we know that God can accomplish positive work in us through our experiencing them. Our victory over the trails and temptations that result in Spiritual growth, and maturity.

The  natural response to have, as fleshly, human beings, when faced with troublesome times or temptations  is to be bitter and angry. It is also common practice for some to attempt to escape their trials and temptations by running away from them. Another fleshly reaction is to question why whatever is happening is happening to us. To react in any or all of the above manners is natural, but these are not the reactions we as believers and followers of Jesus Christ are doomed to have. It is not necessary for us to respond to negative situations, and temptations in a negative manner. We can and should remember that we are not alone, and that God will see us through whatever we are facing. We must remember that He promises us in Romans 8:28 (KJV) that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

 It is easy for us to say and demonstrate that we have faith in God as long as things are going our way. It is another matter, however, for us to demonstrate that we not only talk the talk, but that we walk the walk. It is through trials and temptations that our faith is truly tested, and it is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we can demonstrate the fact that our faith in God is real. It is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we are given a great opportunity to set an example of how wonderful it is to have God to rely on in times of temptation and in times of trouble. It is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we are given the opportunity to be great witnesses for Christ, and to lead lost souls to Him. Our behavior and attitude can prompt lost souls to desire what we have in our lives as they witness the divine peace and comfort in us; even as we face adversity.

Friends whenever you are faced with trials and tribulation in your life, as we all are,  I urge you to remain strong in your faith. I encourage you to remember that God loves you tremendously, and that you are not walking through your storm alone.  Remind yourself that God promises that He will never leave nor forsake you, and remember that when you come out of any trial or temptation victorious you have grown and matured Spiritually. In short, when we are faced with trials and temptations in life, it is up to us to decide if we are going to come out of them bitter or better.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.