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Theme: THE TRIAL OF OUR FAITH
Text: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” – James 1:12.
Comment: Trials and temptations are some of the challenges of life especially to true worshippers of God. The source of such temptations is Satan the devil. However, the text for today assures us of blessings on the condition that the worshipper of God endures, perseveres and maintains the faith in the midst of such trials. It is also important that such sufferings should not be self-inflicted. Scripture says; “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.” (1 Peter 4:15) And in the words of Jeremiah the prophet, “Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” (Lamentations 3:39-41) True Christians are to strive always to live godly and exemplary lives devoid of sin. When we do this and suffer oppression or persecution nonetheless, we should commit our cares to God in prayers, wait patiently, and He shall deliver us in due time. It was King David who in one of his famous songs counseled; “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” – Psalm 27:13,14.