For the month of October, I am joining many bloggers in a challenge to write every single day for 31 days. I learned about this challenge through another challenge I participate in most weeks. The “Five Minute Friday” challenge is going to expand to last the whole month! Each entry, will be five minutes unedited of writing on a particular theme – found on Kate’s blog.Today’s theme is “ready.”
I am ready.
Finally ready.
It has taken a few months, to reach this point. What point is that? I finally realize the spiritual fruit of a long trial.
While trials are never easy…
While one is never ready for any kind of trial…
They do have their purpose.
Scripture teaches us that trials have value to them. We don’t like to read that, or hear this piece of truth. But, it is truth. It doesn’t matter if we are “ready” to hear it. It’s the complete truth.
God will use our trials to build us up.
In Romans 5:3-4, we read these words.
[Not only this, but] We also ·have joy [rejoice; boast] ·with our troubles[through suffering/trials/persecution], because we know that ·these troubles[suffering; trials; persecution] produce ·patience [endurance]. And ·patience[endurance] produces [tested and proven] character, and [tested and proven]character produces hope (EXB).
Endurance
Proven Character
Hope in Jesus Christ.
Might I add one more thing? Trials produce faith in Jesus. Trials show us exactly where we stand spiritually. There is no hiding it. Trials show us how ready we are for Christ’s return.
Christ’s Return
We know Jesus is coming back! God is waiting, to give us an opportunity to recognize our need for Him. We need to repent of sin, and turn fully to God. Salvation is a free gift from God, but we must accept it.
We need to:
Acknowledge our need for God – “All have sinned.”
Believe Jesus Christ took your sins to the cross, dying for your sins, and rose to new life – to bring salvation to all mankind – including you.
Confess your sins to God and choose to follow Jesus.
“Lord, I repent of my sins. I have turned to everything, but You. Please forgive me, and give me Your new life. Help me to begin a relationship with You. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, becoming my Savior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Reflection
How confident are you in the kind of trust you have in Jesus Christ? Would others know you are a Christ-follower, by the way you respond to your trials? Something to consider.
Gracefully Overcoming 