“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

(James 1:2-4 NIV)

This devotional was written by Gary Hensley.

My children are all grown now, but as they faced challenges in their youth I would many times give advice and end it with the quip, “oh well, it builds character.”  

That phrase always elicited a classic teenaged eyeroll. They still joke about “Dad’s advice.” Today when I share a challenge I’m facing, they many times remark “Well, Dad, it builds character.” Whether young or old, life is filled with challenges and troubles. James teaches us that facing those tribulations with perseverance can help shape and strengthen our spiritual life and faith in the Lord. During times of duress, we can lean on God through prayer and ask for his strength to persevere.

As we grow in the Lord from perseverance through adversity, it's important that we share those experiences with others so that they, too, might learn the joy of leaning on God in hard times.

As you go about this day, think about what James is teaching us, and you might embrace challenges in a completely different way.

Also, ask yourself these questions:

• How have past challenges and troubles shaped your character and faith?
• What did you learn about yourself?
• What did you learn about your faith?

Prayer

Father, knowing that challenges will always be looming before us, help us to remember that we are not alone.

Grant us the courage to face challenges head on, knowing that you have equipped us with the strength to endure.

Remind us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us to find the courage to face adversity with faith and confidence.

Help us to persevere through hard times, recognizing that “bumps in the road” are opportunties for growth and refinement in both character and faith.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.