“Consider it pure 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. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:2-8
One of the most helpful passages when facing problems is James 1:2-8. If we can “consider it pure joy”, it shows that God will bring good out of all our struggles for us and for others. Dean Sherman, a teacher for YWAM (Youth With A Mission), in a talk on Spiritual Warfare, once said, “We can win EVERY battle.”
I’ve lived through enough experiences to know that God will always bring good out of our struggles. Sometimes it doesn’t become evident until years later. Sometimes similar circumstances happen to us over and over either to teach us a lesson or to make sure the lesson sinks in. Sometimes our “learning experiences” are mainly for the benefit of others. When new struggles arise, that only teaches us to face new challenges. The wisdom we receive from God is worth every struggle:
“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11
I have been learning (ongoing process for all Christians) to pray about things instead of worrying and being a “a double-minded man”.
I follow politics in the United States, since I am a dual citizen (Canadian and US). Ever since Obama became a possible candidate for president I have been praying for truth to be made known. I used to becoGod is in control. I have learned mainly to pray, especially for those in the front lines of the various battles. I do sign petitions and sometimes write letters to congressmen.
For instance, in the battle against the homosexual agenda (individual homosexuals are people God loves), I pray health, peace, wisdom for those who are writing and acting to stop that agenda.
Good has come from this situation: evil is exposed. With a fairly good president, people just let governing be in the hands of government officials. Now they must realize what is happening and know only God can help, They must pray, get God’s guidance, and repent of their sins:
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 God desires to “forgive their sin” and “heal their land” if His people (it doesn’t need to be everyone) follow these instructions.
Also, when there is so much opposition to the Gospel of Christ, it becomes well known and clearer for those who will choose to believe. We know that evil will appear to be winning on this earth until Jesus comes and changes everything. We are on the winning team, but many struggles are ahead. Our goal is to win as many as possible to know Jesus.
We have great power using God’s weapons. One of His weapons is “…the helmet of salvation…” Ephesians 6:17. Part of the meaning for that weapon is that “… we have the mind of Christ” 1 Corinthians 2:16 if we belong to Him and ask for His wisdom. We can be “more powerful than ten rulers in a city”:
“Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.” Ecclesiastes 9:17
The following passage shows that we must know the issues and their solutions and we must unite in prayer and work with others:
“A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:5-6
In facing our problems we must:
“Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18