STAY THE COURSE

James 1:2-4 New Living Translation

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

       You have no doubt heard the saying, “Stay the course”. It means to stay on the course you are on, to hold steady, don’t deviate. When we become Christians, we begin to be buffeted about by various trials and tribulations that are sent by our enemy to knock us off course. It is like the winds and waves at sea which can redirect a ships course of direction by their force. If our eyes are fixed on Christ and Christ alone, then we will be more inclined to stay on course. Fears, real or imagined, will begin to disappear.

       Trials are allowed by God for that very purpose, to strengthen us. We need not fold under the pressure of them, for our faith, no matter how small, will slowly grow in the face of them.  God doesn’t allow anything that will harm us and is ever watchful to protect us. He is seeking to produce in us a stick-to-it mentality that will not waver in the face of mounting pressure. Your maturity and growth as a believer depends on it. It is our perseverance that matures us. With each test and trial our faith increases. It’s how we grow spiritually as reliance on the Lord increases.  We begin to realize that God will do as He says.  When the Lord says “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6,8) He really means it.

       Trials are not any reason to turn from God.  Trials lead us to greater blessings. God seeks to make us strong in our faith and trust so that we can withstand any trial that we face in life. As we face your trials head on we can know that God is with us and will see us through each and every one of them. In the end, our faith will be strong and our example to be a beacon of light to those around you.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource:  The Life Application Study Bible – Tyndale House Publishing.