Faith 101: The Book of James (part 3)

Each chapter in the book of James instructs Christians on how to live a godly life. In chapters one, two and three, James gives believers guidance concerning trials and temptations, favoritism, faith and works, taming the tongue and worldly wisdom versus heavenly wisdom. In chapters four and five, James gives believers guidance concerning submission to God and boasting about tomorrow, as well as a warning to the rich, patience in suffering, and the prayer of faith. Throughout this look at the book of James, I have classified this book as “Faith 101” for every follower of Jesus Christ.

When James discussed trials and temptations in chapter one, he told us to “consider it joy,” when we face trials (James 1:2). The testing of our faith, during trials, produces perseverance, spiritual maturity and blessings (James 1:3-4; James 1:12). James warns us about sin (James 1:15), and he reminds us that God is not the one who tempts us (James 1:13). We have to remember that “when you are tempted, he (God) will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).”

When James discussed favoritism in chapter two, he simply instructed us by saying, “don’t show favoritism (James 2:1). He even called those who show favoritism sinners, because they are breaking the law that God has given us to love our neighbors (James 2:8-9). James goes on to speak about faith and works. “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26).” As the body of Christ, we need to put our faith into action.

In chapter three, (one of the most well known chapters in the Bible), James discusses taming the tongue. James calls the tongue “a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body,” as he describes how the tongue has the ability to corrupt us, as wells as devastate the course of our lives (James 3:6). While “no man can tame the tongue (James 3:8),” we do have the ability to put a tight rein on our tongue (James 1:26), if we use the power of the Holy Spirit, as well as self-control. God is able to help us tame our tongue, and we need to seek Him so that we can allow Him to renew our minds (Romans 12:2).

At the end of chapter three, James discusses the difference between worldly and heavenly wisdom. He explains to us that worldly wisdom is “earthly, unspiritual, of the devil (James 3:15),” and will consist of “bitter envy and selfish ambition (James 3:14).” Heavenly wisdom, however, “is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).” If we choose to be wise in the way of the Lord, and we choose to be peacemakers who sow in peace, then we will “raise a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).”

The first thing James talks about in chapter four in submission to God. James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (James 4:1-3).” Every scenario that James describes would seem to come from the lives of those who don’t know God, but that is not the case. James is directing this word towards followers of Christ. If that is surprising to you, then you should consider how many believers in Jesus live like the world and show no difference in their behavior than those who don’t know God. All of us need to make an internal evaluation of ourselves. Are we truly living our lives for Jesus?

James also goes on to say, “Brothers, do not slander one another (James 4:11).” How often do you hear gossip and slander among “Christian’s?” It happens too often. If you’re not willing to discuss your true feelings with a fellow believer concerning them, then you shouldn’t do it behind their back. If you have an issue with a brother or sister in Christ, then you need to be upfront and honest with them and attempt to come to some kind of resolution. Try to see things from their point of view, as well, and remember that whether you choose to confront a fellow believer or not, you don’t have the right to judge them. “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor (James 4:12)?” We need to remain humble and show mercy.

When it comes to submission to God, James teaches us that “friendship with the world is hatred toward God (James 4:4).” “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4).” As Christians, we need to humble ourselves before God, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).” Maybe you are struggling in your life because of alcoholism, impure thoughts, homosexuality, addiction, or an otherwise immoral lifestyle, but you want to follow God and give Him your life. The good news is that while you may have a difficult road to travel, you are not without hope. If you choose to resist your sinful nature, resist the temptation to live in sin, and submit yourself to God, then you can be victorious. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up (James 4:7-10).”

Chapter four is concluded with a message about tomorrow. “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins (James 4:13-17).” Is James inferring that we should never plan for our future? I don’t believe that was his point. The point that James seems to be making is that often times we go about our lives with no thought to what God might want or what He might have planned. Often times, we plan what we want to do and don’t consider God in our planning. There is nothing wrong with working, saving money, buying a home, investing in your children’s college fund, etc., but we need to remember that our lives are fragile and our times are in God’s hands. We need to make the most of our days and think on a deeper level than just making it to the next day, the next event, the next meeting, and so on. We need to value the time that we have on this earth and seek God’s will in all that we do. We need to be like Jesus and go about doing good works. Most of all, we need to remain humble.

James chapter five starts off with a warning to rich oppressors. “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire James 5:1-3).” James is clearly making the statement that material possessions will pass away. The only thing that we can truly hold on to forever is that which is eternal. James is warning the rich of this fact, and he warns them that weeping and wailing will come upon them, because of the oppressive and greedy lives that they have lived. Is James directing this message to all people who have wealth? No, I don’t believe that is the case. If we read further we will see that James is referring to those who have hoarded their wealth and have lived in self-indulgence. This message is directed towards those who oppress others with their wealth and power and who live selfish lives. James says, “You have hoarded wealth in the last days (James 5:3).” “You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence (James 5:5).” We need to remember, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).” When God blesses us we need to give back to Him what He has give to us through tithing, serving and being a blessing to others. We can enjoy the blessings God has given us, but we need to remember that the pleasures of this life are temporary. “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).”

James encourages each of us to “be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near (James 5:8).” Remember James’ message in chapter one concerning trials? He told us that we would be made mature in our faith and we would be blessed. James reiterates this point in chapter five when he says, “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy (James 5:11).”

The book of James is concluded with a special message concerning prayer. James encourages us to pray. He encourages us to pray if we are in trouble (James 5:13), and he encourages us to have the elders of the church pray over us if we are sick (James 5:14). He also reminds us that the prayer “offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven (James 5:16).” James urges us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).” Prayer is extremely important in the life of every believer. Prayer is the way that we connect to God, talk to God, hear from God, and offer up our praise and worship, as well as our requests to God. When we pray we also have authority to heal the sick, restore our relationships, draw the lost to God, and change our world. Lastly, James brings to mind the responsibility that God has placed on every believer, which is to witness to the lost. “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).”

If we need direction and guidance, we can always seek the Lord and His Word, as well as the counsel of other believers. The book of James is just one of the many books of the Bible that gives us clear, godly instruction on how to live our lives for Jesus. If you are in need of prayer, or if you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, then please contact “Soldier of Christ” at SoldierOfChrist_09@yahoo.com

Faith 101: The Book of James (part 2)

If I had to summarize the book of James, I would say that it can be classified as “Faith 101.” Each chapter instructs Christians on how to live a godly life.

James 1 discusses trials and temptations, and how a Christian should act and react during these times. James 1:2-4 tells us to “consider it joy,” whenever we face trials, because when our faith is tested, we develop perseverance, and we mature spiritually. We will also be blessed, when we persevere, and receive the crown of life (James 1:12). James also talked about temptation. When we are enticed to sin by Satan, by others, or when our own thoughts or sinful desires tempt us, then we need to make the decision to stand firm. Otherwise, “after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:15).” James reminds us that God is not the one who tempts us (James 1:13). As a matter of fact, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” James 1 also gives us clear instruction about listening, as well as putting our faith into action. James tells us in James 1:19 to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” He warns us that we should use our words wisely and keep a tight rein on our tongue (James 1:26).

Chapter two discusses favoritism in the body of Christ, as well as faith and works. James instructs us by saying, “don't show favoritism (James 2:1).” “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers (James 2:8-9).” When it comes to faith and works, James asks us, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him (James 2:14)?” He encourages us not to merely listen to the word, but to “do what it says (James 1:22).” Chapter two of James is concluded with the statement, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26).” What kind of impact can we make in the world and in the lives of others by only sitting in a church pew? We are the body of Christ, and we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Faith without works is merely lip service. We will be most effective in our faith, when we look outside of ourselves and give away what God has given to us.

James chapter three is one of the most well known chapters in the Bible, as part of it talks about taming the tongue. James tells us that “the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts (James 3:5).” “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell (James 3:5-6).” James also describes the tongue as “a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8).” “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing (James 3:10).” I’m pretty convinced that all believers in Christ can relate to the words in James 3. How many of us have said things that we wish we could take back? How many of us have spoken out of anger and later regretted our words? How many of us have struggled with our language, whether that be a struggle not to complain, not to cut ourselves or others down, not to be negative, not to gossip, not to use bad language, etc.?

So what does James say that we can do about our tongue? James 3:8 says, “no man can tame the tongue.” This would lead us to believe that we may be at a loss. However, remember what James said in chapter one. James said, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless (James 1:26).” These verses imply that we may not be able to tame our tongue on our own, but we can keep a tight rein on it. Remember the words of Jesus who said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God (Luke 18:27)." While it may be difficult for us to tame our tongue, God is able to help us. We can also do our part by keeping a tight rein on our tongue by being mindful of what comes out of our mouths and by having self-control. I’m willing to be open and honest and say that I have personally struggled with my own tongue. Whether I have struggled with complaining, negative self talk or whether the occasional bad word has come out of my mouth unexpectedly (or expectedly), I have sought the Lord about my tongue. He has helped me come a long way from where I used to be, but there is still work that is left to be done, and sometimes I fall short of the woman that I know I am in Him.

We have to first seek God and admit that we have a problem with the way we use our words. Once we seek Him, we need to allow Him to renew our minds. I personally believe that most significant change that takes place in a believer’s life will first take place in his/her mind. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you before you speak. Be mindful of your words, and be mindful of the things that you are listening to and watching. If you are in an environment where other people don’t have a tight rein on their tongue then consider changing your environment. If you are unable to change your environment (your living situation, your job, etc.), then try to be aware of what you are listening to on a daily basis and do the best you can to minimize or counteract the intake. For example, if you have a desk job, then take headphones to work and listen to uplifting or godly music. If you feel like you are questioning your words in a certain situation, then you may want to consider not saying anything at all. Try to breathe and pray before you speak, mainly during moments when you are in a disagreement with someone or if there are hurt feelings involved.

In James 3:13-18, James compares the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. James tells us that if we are wise, then we should show it by the good life that we live, by deeds done in humility (James 3:13). He goes on to tell us that harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition does not come heaven, “but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (James 3:15-16).” We know from these verses that we need to put away envy and selfish ambition, in order to avoid what the world considers to be wisdom. Next, James gives examples of the kind of wisdom that we should seek to attain as followers of Jesus. Wisdom from heaven is “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).” He tells us that “peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness (3:18).” So if we want to possess heavenly wisdom, sow peace, and “harvest righteousness,” then we need to be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, bear good fruit, and be impartial, as well as sincere. These things are often easier said than done, but if we repetitively walk in a way that pleases God, eventually most (if not all) of these character traits will become second nature to us. Keep in mind that it is just as easy to learn good habits and positive, godly character traits as it is to learn bad habits and negative, ungodly character traits. Allow God to transform and renew you (Romans 12:2).

Faith 101: The Book of James

The content of the book of James has been characterized as text that enforces “the practical duties of the Christian life (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_of_James),” writing to encourage growth in the Christian faith (www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-James), and helpful instruction on Christian conduct (http://www.biblestudyinfo.com/james). If I had to summarize the book of James, I would say that it can be classified as “Faith 101.” Each chapter in James is packed with clear, Biblical instruction on how to live the Christian life.

In the first chapter of James, we read about trials and temptations. James 1:1-4 says, “Consider it joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” When we persevere during our trials, not only will we grow and mature spiritually, but we will be blessed. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” The crown of life and the blessings of God will be seen by believers in the next life, but Christians don’t have to wait until the afterlife to experience the abundant and blessed life that comes from following Christ. God will bless us in this life, as well.

All of us will face trials and temptations in our lives. Some days we will experience uninterrupted joy and blessings, while we fight our way through the darkness on other days. The important thing to remember is that we must persevere through the difficult times. No matter what we are facing, God is still good, He is still God, and He loves us. He may not always pull us out of a situation that we are facing, but He will always walk us through. Sometimes it is more important for us to go through a situation and reach the end victorious and strong than it is for us to be delivered from it. Don’t always pray that God will deliver you from a difficult or challenging circumstance. Instead, pray that He will walk you through it and give you the strength to endure your trials. That doesn’t mean that God won’t pull you out of a situation, it just means that when we face our fears or the problems in our lives in a Biblical way, then we grow and mature spiritually.

Even though we have given our lives to Christ that does not mean that we will not face temptation. It also does not mean that we will not sin. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” We will sin and fall short of God’s grace. The best that we can do is live our lives in a manner that is worthy of God’s calling by obeying His commands and repenting from sin when we do fall short. We have freedom from condemnation because Jesus died for our sins past, present and future, and we do not have to live feeling guilty and ashamed. However, this freedom in Christ does not give us the excuse to sin.

So what do we do when we are faced with temptation? “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:13-15).” When we are tempted, we need to make the choice not to give in to the desires of our flesh. Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” Jesus faced temptation too (Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2). While Jesus never sinned, even though He was tempted by Satan, He understands what we go through, and He is able to help us. “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18).” God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, so take heart and stand firm.

James 1 also gives us clear instruction about listening, as well as putting our faith in action. James 1:19-21 says, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James is telling us that we need to be quick to listen and slow to speak. In verse 26, James goes on to say, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” We need to know when to speak and when to listen, and we need to keep a tight rein on our tongue.

We also need to be slow to become angry. Not only are we imitating God when we are slow to become angry, but we are choosing to behave in a righteous manner that pleases Him, as opposed to acting out by throwing a tantrum. James encourages us to get rid of moral filth and evil, as well, which are both widely available in our world. Simply put, we need to accept God’s Word as the final say on how we need to be living our lives. I love what James says in verse twenty-two of chapter one. He states, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Professing to know Jesus and knowing Him are different things entirely, and Jesus clearly stated that those who know and love Him will obey His commands and bear the fruit of the Spirit. So when it comes to God’s Word, just “do what it says (James 1:22).”

Chapter two of James starts off discussing favoritism in the body of Christ. James 2:1 -4 says, “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here's a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers (James 2:8-9).” Just as God does not show favoritism, we are to imitate God by not showing favoritism to others. James professes in these verses in chapter two that to show favoritism is to sin, because we are breaking the law of God that tells us to love our neighbor. One could also say that showing favoritism to one person is a way to abstain from showing love to another person.

The remainder of chapter two discusses faith and works. I believe this is one of the most important aspects of the Christian walk with Christ. Just as James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” these remaining verses stress the importance of not just talking the talk but walking the walk. “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:14-17).”

It is a beautiful thing to fellowship with God through prayer, reading His Word, attending church, and praising and worshiping the Lord in Spirit and in truth. Still, if all we do is bask in the glow of God’s glory, enjoy Him and the blessings we receive, then what good are we to God’s Kingdom? What kind of impact can we make by only sitting in a church pew? We can get out in our community and help those who live in our neighborhood, our city or our state. We can take missions where God is calling us and help people around the globe. We can bless and help others by praying for them, encouraging them, witnessing to them, or even just by smiling at or offering a compliment to a complete stranger.

The last verse in the second chapter of James really made me think. Today, I read this verse in a whole new light. “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26).” This verse reminds me that we are the body of Christ. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. If we do not operate as His hands and feet, then we (His body), are dead, like a body is dead without the spirit. Our faith cannot be alive if we are not actively doing good works. Faith without works is merely lip service. How can we selfishly hold on to our faith and do nothing with it? We are most alive and most effective in our faith, when we choose to look outside of ourselves and give away what God has given to us.

Seasons Change (part 2)

In part one of “Seasons Change,” I stated that I believe there are only two things that will never change. One is God and the other is the fact that things change. New and different seasons will come and go in all of our lives, just like the seasons of this world change. Maybe you are the kind of person who does not like change or maybe you are kind of person who prefers to have a constant flow of new and different things. Either way, we can all be sure that change is inevitable.

While God is constant and unchanging, He did not create our world in this way. In Genesis 1:14 God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.” The changing seasons were no accident. Spring, summer, fall and winter not only lend a lovely change in temperature, but a change takes place in the atmosphere around us as flowers bloom, snow falls, or leaves change color. Beauty can always be found when a new season approaches, and the same can be said for new seasons in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3 is one of the most well known chapters in the Bible that refers to seasons changing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” If we did not experience the highs and the lows of this life, how would we ever grow spiritually, mentally, or emotionally?

In part one of “Seasons Change,” I shared that I am walking in new season in my own life. Since the year began my husband and I started a local outreach, sold our home, moved, are having a new home built, discovered we’re having a baby, made the decision to give up two of our three dogs, (although we are having difficulty finding new homes for them), and I stopped serving in three areas of ministry at our church, in order to serve in one. After having a difficult time meeting with my church leaders to find the exact place for me, due to busy schedules, I now have not been serving in any area in our church for months, which has made me feel disconnected from my church home. I have also had to make some decisions about the relationships in my life and whether they are healthy or unhealthy, reliable or one sided, and I have had to set some boundaries. All of these things are coupled with the fact that my mother, grandmother, and family friend who I consider to be “my second mother” have all fallen ill within the last few months, and this has all been difficult on me emotionally.

Some of these changes in my life have been wonderful changes and blessings that I am thankful for, while other changes have been more difficult and challenging. Whether you are going through the valley or on the top of the hill, a new season in anyone’s life can lead to many mixed emotions. So, what do we hold on to, how can we find joy in our pain, and how do we feel secure, when everything is changing? We must hold on to the One who is unchanging. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).” This is God’s promise to us. No matter what we are facing, we can rely on Him. God loves us (John 3:16), He has a plan to prosper, not harm us, give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11), and He works things out for our own good (Romans 8:28). Even if we are mourning, we can still rejoice, if we remember that weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

What are some ways we can maintain our sanity and emotional well being, when a season of our life is difficult? First and foremost, we have to trust God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “We live by faith, not by sight.” As Christians we need to see beyond our circumstances. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).” God is bigger than any situation or circumstance, and we need to remember that. It may be difficult to see beyond your circumstances, but if you want to live a life that is victorious, then you cannot allow the moments in your life to destroy you, weigh you down, steal your joy or shake your peace. Also, if you want to please God, then you have to stay in faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please God.”

Trusting God by staying in faith is one way to maintain a healthy well being during a challenging season. Another way to remain healthy is to connect with God. Maybe you connect with Him through prayer. Maybe you connect with Him by reading His Word. Maybe you connect with Him when you worship and praise Him. However you connect with God, then continue to do it. God is Our Father, Friend, and Counselor. He is our biggest ally, and He is powerful. Not only will the Lord provide comfort to us as we seek Him, but He will give us the grace and the power to get through moments in our lives that we could not bear to face on our own. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).”

Lastly, a way to remain healthy when you are facing a difficult season is to nourish the relationships in your life. It’s important to fellowship with others. Maybe you’re not feeling very social, as you walk through this valley in your life, but spending time with family and close friends will benefit you in a number of ways. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Adam needed a friend, a mate, and a companion to share this life with, and so do we. Spending time with loved ones will allow you the opportunity to share your burdens with them, and it is a way to find support, love, and encouragement from others. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.” Not only will fellowship with others help you through a painful season, but it will provide a way for you to get out and about and have some fun, as well.

As I said in part one of “Seasons Change,” we may not be able to rejoice because of our present situation, but we can rejoice in spite of our present situation! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).” God is good, and He loves you!

Seasons Change

Life is unpredictable. From my own personal experience, there are only two things that will never change. One thing that will never change is God. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The second thing that will never change is the fact that things change. Whether we are walking through the valley or sitting high on the hill, it is inevitable that we will experience both the highs and lows of this life. Christians often refer to different and new periods in their lives as seasons, and just like the seasons of this world, a new one is sure to come in due time.

God’s Word has a few things to say about seasons changing. One of the most well known chapters in the Bible that refers to seasons changing is Ecclesiastes 3. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

Some seasons in our lives can be exciting and full of joy, like the moment we get engaged or married, the moment we dedicate our lives to God, the moment we graduate from high school or college, or the moment we have a child. These are the times that we desire to hold on to for as long as we can. We capture the memories with photographs and replay these special events in our minds. During these times, we thank God and may even shed tears of joy. Other seasons in our lives can be painful and full of sadness, like the moment we lose a loved one, the moment we move from one city, state or home that we loved to another, unfamiliar place, the moment we lose a job, or the moment that we or one of our loved ones are diagnosed with an illness that might change our lives forever. During these times, what do we hold on to? How can we find joy in the midst of our pain? How do we feel secure, when everything is changing?

Recently, I have been walking through a new season in my life. A lot of changes have taken place. At the start of the year, my husband and I began a local outreach. We also sold our home and moved in to an apartment, while having a new home custom built. As we were moving, we discovered that I was pregnant. My husband and I also made the decision to give up two of our three dogs, and we have had a difficult time finding new homes for them. During this time, I also took a break from serving in three areas of ministry at my church and made the decision to serve in only one area. After having a difficult time meeting with my church leaders to find the exact place for me, due to busy schedules, I now have not been serving in any area of my church for about three months. This lack of service has made me feel disconnected from my church home. I have also had to make some decisions over the past few years and recently about the relationships in my life and whether they are healthy or unhealthy, reliable or one sided. Setting boundaries has become something that I have had to enforce, and it is not always easy.

Needless to say, there have been a lot of changes over the past few months that have brought me into a new and challenging season in my life. Some of these changes, like starting a ministry, having a home built and expecting a baby, have been wonderful changes and blessings that I am thankful for. Other changes, like searching for new homes for our dogs, feeling disconnected from my church home and the dynamics between me and certain relationships have been more difficult and challenging. Regardless of the type of changes, a new season filled with so many changes can cause people to feel sad, lonely, and many other feelings. I share all of my recent experiences, in order to help anyone who is reading this right now who may be going through a challenging season in their lives. I share my experiences to say that you are not alone. Changing seasons are a part of life, and you can make it through this time.

So, what do we hold on to during the difficult seasons in our lives? How can we find joy in the midst of our pain? How do we feel secure, when everything is changing? If life is certain to change, then we must hold on to the One who is unchanging, which is Jesus Christ. As I noted in the first paragraph of this message, Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This thought and promise from God is something that we can hold on to, when our world seems to be spinning out of control or in many different directions at once. So what do we know about God that gives us confidence in His unchanging ways. First of all, God loves us! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).” We are so valuable and important that the Creator of the universe gave His life so that we would not be separated from Him in this life or the next. He wants to bond with us and spend time with us, and we need to take time to fellowship with God through prayer, reading His Word, and worshiping Him. It is a privilege. We can also hold tight to the promise that we have eternal salvation, and one day we will live eternally in paradise with Him and our loved ones who know Him.

Secondly, we know that God has a plan for our lives. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says to us, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future. While we may go through difficult experiences in our lives, God does not have any plans to harm us. He wants us to prosper by growing in our relationship with Him and others and living the abundant life that He died for us to have. When I say “abundant life,” I am not referring to material possessions of abundance. While I do believe that God blesses us with material possessions, I believe when Jesus said He came so that we may have a full life (John 10:10), He was referring to us having a life that is spiritually full and free from the bondage of sin and of the world.

Lastly, Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Despite the circumstances that we face in our daily lives, we need to remember that God is bigger than our circumstances. Jesus said, “with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).” In all situations, circumstances and seasons of our lives, God will work for the good of those who love Him. No matter how dark and desperate a situation may appear in the present moment, it is important that we live and walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). It can be difficult to have faith sometimes, but we must never forget that God is faithful and He always keeps His promises. He can and will turn any situation around for our good. Have faith!

If we hold on to God’s promises and trust in Him, by faith, then we can find confidence in the midst of challenging circumstances. We can have confidence that God never changes, He loves us and He is faithful. He will always keep His promises to us. He has a plan for our lives and He will work things out for our good. Even if we are mourning, we can still rejoice, if we remember that weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). We may not be able to rejoice because of our present situation, but we can rejoice in spite of our present situation! Rejoice that God is good and that your joy will return to you one day. Rejoice that you are alive and you know the Creator of the universe. Rejoice that you have eternal salvation. Be thankful for what you do have and stop complaining about what you don’t have. Be appreciative of what is going right in your life, instead of only seeing what is going wrong. In our darkest moments, we should praise and thank God, because no matter what we are going through, He is God, He is good, and He is worthy to be praised!