James (Ya'aqob) 1:2-4
"2. My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3. knowing that the proving of your belief works endurance.
4. And let endurance have a perfect work, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in naught."
This specific scripture happens to be one of my favorites. It's easy for us as people to get caught up in the trials of our every day life. And yes, life can be a hassle at most times, but these verses always remind me to count it all joy. We have been given an opportunity to display our belief in our Heavenly Father every time something horrible or unexpected occurs in our life.
Whether it be the loss of a loved one, money issues, heartbreak, persecution for your belief or walk in The Father, depression, loss of job, car problems, no food, or no place to stay... It's in our most challenging times, that Yahuah is looking at us the most. He wants us to know that HE is in control. He doesn't want us to worry ourselves to death because that shows our lack of faith in Him.
When you look back at all the prophets in the Word, majority of them lived hard lives. Yahuah has never promised us that anything would be easy. In fact, throughout the Scriptures, we have been warned that it will be everything but easy, but do not grow weary.
Therefore, that's why we need our Creator. We are not able to tackle life without Him. He knows all, sees all, and hears all.
Verse 3 above states that our belief works endurance. So what exactly does this mean? When we are able to put our trust and belief in YAH, He is able to strengthen us to stand that storm. We are no longer bound by worry or stress because we know the situation has already been handled.
And with each obstacle, we grow stronger and stronger to the point where we are able to withstand ANY hardship that may come our way. Remaining unbreakable because we know who stands with us.
The Word tells us that YAH will not forsake us. He will not leave us, but we are the ones that have to surrender our situations and ourselves over to Him through His only begotten son, Yahusha. So that He may be able to do the work that needs to be done. And with this, we must cast out the thoughts that we can fix any and every situation. The fact of the matter is... we can't.
In return for us having Faith in the Father, He gives us joy. Joy in knowing that it is not our battle to fight. Joy in the sense that we are free. Joy in knowing that we have such a Mighty Creator working things out for us. Even when we can't see all that He does behind the scenes, it's not always for our eyes to see. And even when things or circumstances don't look how we would like for them to look, it's all being worked out for the greater good.
What is faith/belief if you can see everything ahead of you?
Trust in YAH and know that there's always a rainbow after every storm. Hardships don't last always. And what helps me the most when I'm faced with a trial, is remembering that there is always someone that's going through something way worse than what I'm going through at that moment.
Remain thankful throughout every bump in the road. Even when there's an unexpected sharp turn out of nowhere. Find comfort in knowing that everything will be okay. And may YAH continue to bless you and your loved ones.
If you find yourself faced with a trial and you're feeling a little lost, here's a prayer I hope helps you:
Dear Heavenly Father,
First, I want to thank You for allowing me to see another day. I know each day is a precious gift and it is not promised to me. Thank You for all Your mercy and grace because I know I am unworthy of it, Father. Thank You for continuing to keep me protected and provided for. Thank you for Our Saviour and personal Messiah, Yahusha Ha'Mashiach. Because of His sacrifice, I am able to even speak to you like this.
Please forgive me of my sins. My sins from the past, present and the sins I might commit in the future unknowingly, Father. And forgive the sins of my enemies. Father, give me a clean heart so that I may seek You daily during the good times and bad times. I fully surrender my life to You. Do with it as You see fit.
Yahuah, You know my heart, You know my wants, and my needs. I am hurting right now. I turn to You because when I am weak, You are my strength. When one door closes, I know that You are the only One that can open another. Father, please heal my heart. Please guide my steps. I put my faith and trust solely in You. Give me the strength to overcome this battle I'm faced with. And peace of mind. I know You will not leave me or forsake me. I thank You for everything You have done for me in my lifetime, what You are currently doing for me, and what You will do for me in the future. Let Your will be done.
I thank You in advance for all of it. In the Name of the Son, Yahusha Ha'Mashiach, I give You all the glory & praise, and I do say, HalleluYAH.