Walking by Faith Thru the Challenges of Life

Bob’s TFT Monday 06-09-2025

Bible Passage: James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Trials and tribulations are not enjoyable. Expressing joy to others is often misunderstood because we frequently associate it with merriment or a sense of well-being. A biblical understanding of joy is better described as contentment, lacking nothing. 

In his letter to the early church, James describes the result of true faith in God as a surrender of emotions and the acceptance of God's peace amid life's challenges. Faith involves surrender, acceptance, and a way of acting that pleases God.

Life happens, often not in accordance with our desires. A response will emerge. Acting out of our emotions, physical well-being, or a worldly mindset will only exacerbate the trouble, satisfying nothing. From a human perspective, the spiral into despair is brief, and if left to our own devices, it's nearly impossible to overcome.

As we choose to surrender our lives to God, accepting the challenges as a means to strengthen our character and our resolve to endure, we realize that faith is the path to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. He created us, and He alone will sustain us as we learn to trust Him for every breath we take. Walking by faith allows us to accept life on God’s terms, bringing us closer to Him.

Letting go and allowing God to sustain us during difficult times contradicts every human understanding. Human reasoning fails because there is nothing we can do that will change our circumstances. A reaction is necessary, making it either easier or harder to endure. Choices driven by the flesh will drain us, while yielding to the will of God will provide enduring hope and sustain us through life's challenges.

You choose! As for me, I choose to walk by faith.