Struggles - Devotional by Alec Niemi

Struggles: Yes we all go through them. Sometimes we know why and probably most often we don’t. James tells us to…

‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,’ James 1:2.

James tells us to consider it all joy when we go through them. But it can be a real struggle.

James continues on in verse three...

‘because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’

Does that means so the at we can struggle better? Verse four gives us the answer.

‘Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.‘

This gives reason for the struggles, that we might grow from the experience. And then in verse twelve we get the results.

‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’

Be blessed my friend!

“Heavenly Father, whatever happens, we are committed to conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. We will stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose us. We do this as a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that we will be saved—and that by you our God. For it has been granted to us on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him… In Jesus name amen.”

Philippians 1:27-30

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

Philippians 1:27-30 (NIV)

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,^[a] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.