Walking With Jesus (Perseverance)Sample

The doctor's injection 

No one likes a doctor's injection, both directly and indirectly, such as an IV line. We immediately become horrified when we see the sharp tip of a small needle. Young children usually cry when they receive an immunization shot. Adults endure the injection, but no one likes injections.

We often want to escape the pain in life during difficult times. Our natural tendency is to run away because those times are painful. Subconsciously, we think that it's better if we don't experience the pain. However, just as the pain of a doctor's injection is necessary for a sick person to receive his healing, our Father in Heaven knows that we need pain for our spiritual health and growth. It's not easy and not fun at all, but that's the way to be healthy again.

If God allows a painful experience in our life, we should not immediately judge that it is all bad because it hurts us. Things that hurt are not necessarily bad for us. The opposite is true. Good things are not always good for us. James wrote this to people who were going through hard times. As people who were still young in the faith, they might be struggling with certain ideals. They thought that because they had followed God, their life would be easy because of their faith.

A body that has never experienced the challenge of pain will be weak. Our spiritual lives will be strengthened through times of struggle. The saying of “no pain, no gain” has spiritual meaning when it takes the form of trials that God allows to happen in our lives. We will not understand what it feels like to depend on Him until we experience a time when there is no one to depend on.

Reflection:

1. Have you ever wanted to run away when you are struggling?

2. What is being formed in you when you go through various trials?

Application: 

Even if you don't like pain in difficult times, understand that God has a purpose through it all. Strive to be stronger and wiser in every moment God allows you to go through.