Read:  James 1:1-12

Verse:  “...Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

                                                                                                 - James 1:2-4 (ESV)

I was browsing through a bookstore one day when I came upon a shelf of decorative coffee mugs in the gift section. On one side was a cartoon picture of a beautiful butterfly. On the other side were these words: “Just when the caterpillar thought his life had come to an end, he turned into a butterfly.”

I really needed that. My husband and I had been going through a difficult time, both financially and emotionally over the past several months. I had injured my knee, let go from my job, and my husband’s pay had been cut, all within a few weeks. I was looking at surgery and a rather lengthy rehabilitation time, and although my husband had gone to several job interviews, nothing seemed to be panning out. I tried to keep a positive and tell myself that God is in control, but there were times when I felt overwhelmed and discouraged and wondered when we would finally begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

In the book of James, he writes that, as Christians, we should count it as a joy when trials and troubles come our way, knowing that God will mold us into a better person in the end. That’s hard to hold onto sometimes when we feel as though our entire world has turned upside down, whether it be a relationship that ends, financial problems, health issues, or an emotional upheaval that leaves us feeling vulnerable and afraid and wondering where God is.

But we have His promise that no matter what comes our way, when our trials are over, we will be transformed just like that caterpillar into a new creature, one who breaks free of its cocoon and flies away to freedom!

Prayer:  Lord, help us to remain faithful at all times, even when life is tough, believing that You will have Your perfect way with us.

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