My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
It occurred to me the other day that we don’t get to pick our trials. Sometimes when I teach this passage or even just think about it I can feel pretty equipped for any trial I can think of. But God doesn’t usually bring trials into my life that I’ve thought through. They’re usually ones that I haven’t really considered. My pride leads me to dare think that I’m prepared for anything. Then God brings something that I never considered and I have to start right back at the beginning and try to count it all joy. The real trials teach me far more than the ones I thought up.
The Savannah Project 
November 5th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
How often I think I am prepared for anything, too. In a study with many women from The Orchard last Thursday we were discussing John 15 and the need for God to prune us in order to grow stronger and bear much fruit. One of the questions was if we thought we were in a place where God was pruning us, we were growing, or were in full bloom. I of course made up my own 4th choice and said I felt I was in need of a good pruning, knowing full well that God would gladly take me up on that. And he has, twice… in one week. It’s not been the pruning I considered and I’m sure he’s not done. But he’s drawing me to his Word and pushing me to my knees and what better place to be!
November 5th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
It’s so good to hear from you Sarah! Even blogging about trials has a way of bringing things that have forced me to apply what I wrote in new ways. Hope you’re well.