How to Counterattack the Devil - Pt. 2 ('Away From Me Satan' edition)

When Jesus became aware his mission would soon come to fruition, he spoke to the disciples about the Advocate. The Advocate, also known as the Holy Spirit, would act on behalf of Jesus and reside in our hearts, directing us into all Truth, and speaking holiness into our thoughts and actions. Though Jesus would not be walking the Earth much longer in this scene with the disciples, he reassured them that he would be with them until the end of time, providing them with peace along the way. Among stepping in as a representative of Jesus, the Holy Spirit would “teach you everything” (John 14:26) and also remind the disciples what Jesus taught them. During this time, right before Jesus would be arrested and sentenced to death, Jesus made it clear that the disciples would do the things Jesus did during his time on Earth."Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12).

That sounds surreal, doesn’t it? The same Jesus who multiplied food, raised people from the dead, and healed too many people to count in the Bible is the same Jesus who resides in me?  This is the same Jesus who cast out demons and sent them into a herd of pigs, where they then drowned (Luke 8:30-33), so the fact that Jesus tells us that we have the power of himself within us is unbelievable.

Ok, we could probably all admit Jesus directing demons into pigs is a bit strange; it’s not the type of bedtime story you’d read to your 5-year-old kid. Additionally, most of what Jesus did was considered supernatural and beyond comprehension. Still, when Jesus said we would do what he did, it’s clear he meant it, which means we should live like the power of God that was given to Jesus is in us as well. Most of the time, we think of Jesus’ miracles like when he cast out demons as examples of doing things Jesus’ way. It even frightens some of us into thinking we might have to live dangerously the way Jesus did. But we need to remember Jesus’ miracles and supernatural lifestyle do not always need to be the baseline for how we should live like him; we should also consider how he loved others, looked out for the orphans and least lovable. And, in this case…

Doing Jesus things does not always mean doing miracles, raising dead to life, and possibly displacing demons into a sounder of swine. Even when we encounter attacks from the Devil, we should respond the way Jesus did. If we to do the [things] Jesus did, as John says, we can also counterattack the way Jesus responded to Satan. The Holy Spirit in us, acting as a divine guide in our hearts, will lead us into all Truth, even in the midst of Satan's attacks.

John 14:26-27, part of which was mentioned earlier: “But when the Father sends the Advocate as [Jesus’] representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything [Jesus has] told you.”

John 14:13-14: “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

So, we not only are called to do the works of Jesus, but we are left with the Holy Spirit to lead us and continue to instruct us into all Truth, and we can ask for anything in Jesus' name, and it will be done. This means we can respond to Satan with authority the way Jesus did, walk in step with the Holy Spirit as if we are walking in step with Jesus, and receive divine assistance when we ask for help when we're under attack? According to John 14, yes we can. Talk about a deal! If this is true, we should never forget these verses when going into battle. Victory is imminent!

However, when it comes to spiritual opposition, we seem to forget the words Jesus left the disciples (and us) with. We often cower in fear like we never had armor to begin with, so it is of utmost importance that we heed the following words of wisdom and take them with us wherever we go. They promise power and authority from Heaven to our hearts. If Jesus could confront the twisted words of the Devil with Truth, so can we

When we think about what we can do with Jesus in our hearts, we cannot limit the power he contains. A good place to start when preparing our heart and mind to respond to the Enemy’s attacks is to study how Jesus behaved towards Satan when he tempted him.

I think it’s time we take the power we have to fend off Satan’s attacks seriously if we have not already done so. When Jesus says “…whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these…”, he was comforting his disciples by reminding them that they have power and authority from Heaven. If we are to prepare for Satan’s attacks and schemes, shouldn’t we first study Jesus’ every demeanor, behavior, attitude, and response to these types of situations if we are to overcome the Enemy?

One place to look is in Matthew 4:1-11, where Jesus is confronted by Satan. Here, Satan tempts Jesus three times by commanding him to turn stones into bread, throwing himself off a temple, and bowing down to worship him. Despite these three temptations, Jesus eventually convinces the Devil to leave without a single second of success to boast about. How does Jesus walk away unscathed.

1. Jesus follows Scriptures commands

Satan comes on the scene while Jesus is led by the Spirit to the wilderness. He tells Jesus to turn the stones into loaves of bread. We all know Jesus could do it, but it was not in alignment with God’s plan. God’s reply? A reference to the Old Testament: “‘People do not live by bread alone,’ Jesus replies, unfazed by the Devil’s tactics, “‘But by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). There is evidence Jesus uses the Old Testament to help him because Deuteronomy 8:3 says the same thing: “Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with Manna…He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

While we could go on and on about God’s challenge to live in humility and why God would allow the Israelites to go hungry just to teach a lesson, the point is that Jesus utilizes the words of his Father and how powerful they can be when applied to difficult situations. And Jesus did not hesitate! He brought the power of Scripture to life by using it within the context of temptation.

What did Satan do? He moved on from the first temptation, unsuccessful, and took Jesus to the holy city in Jerusalem. The Devil even twists Scripture to fit his agenda. Once again, Jesus, fully human, combats the fiery arrows with Scripture. But this particular reference contains more:

2. Jesus pledges his allegiance to his Master

“…You must not test the Lord your God” (Matthew 4:7), Jesus replies to Satan’s twisting of Scripture. In this part of the passage, Jesus does an exceptional job modeling his dedication to the Father. His response to jumping off the temple and saving himself is a testimony to what can be overcome when we pledge our allegiance to God. Consider this: the way we remove ourselves from temptation can be just as honoring to God as doing something good for him. God wants us to be of sound mind, which includes being transformed into his likeness. Turning our allegiance to God rather than listening to the whispers of Satan is paying our respects to the position God has in our lives. I am a child of God, so I don’t walk the wide road; I walk the straight and narrow.

As if the first two rejections were not enough, Satan tries to successfully remove Jesus from connection to the Father by commanding Jesus to “kneel down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9) and he will give Jesus all of the kingdoms and their glory. Funny, because Jesus’ mission was not to take all of the kingdoms and claim glory to be his; he came to bring glory to God and expose God for who he really is: the Savior of the world. While Satan’s ploy was to get Jesus to stop focusing on the eternal goodness of God, Jesus used this strategy to conquer Satan’s attacks.

3. Jesus doesn’t beat around the bush

For the third time, Jesus combats Satan by referencing Scripture: “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him” (Matthew 4:10). However, while these words are powerful and important to focus on (especially when the enemy attacks), let’s look at what Jesus says before this in verse 10: “Get out of here, Satan.” Jesus doesn’t have time to negotiate with Satan, and neither should we. The longer we let him linger, the more power we give him. Satan wants to destroy you, even if he disguises it by wrapping destruction in a neat bow (twisting Scripture, ‘promising’ kingdoms and glory, etc.). Jesus, in essence, says, “You don’t belong here, so you may leave.” It is not a recommendation, but a command.

Satan might have power, but his power amounts to dust compared to what God has. Because the power of God resides in us (as a gift), we too can command Satan to leave our presence. How do we know this? Check out what happens next in verse 11: “Then the Devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.”

Notice the two things that happened in verse 11. 1) The Devil obeyed Jesus; his power to continue fighting back was removed from him. He had no choice because Jesus left him no choice. “Not on my watch!” 2) Angels came to Jesus’ aid. How often do we cave in right before God sends reinforcements? Whether it is through church community, a direct word from the Lord, a family member coming to assist you, or some other miracle in your life, how often do we throw in the towel before the great thing happens?

We don’t have to let Satan get away with trickery when we have the gift of spiritual leaders and mentors in our lives. When we choose to put ourselves out there and keep in touch with a body of believers, we are putting on that metaphorical armor that can defend us from Satan’s evil plot to destroy.

From this passage, two lessons can be learned: 1) We have more power to resist Satan than we know because the supernatural resides in us and 2) Sometimes we have to go through a few attacks to demonstrate faith in the God despite the difficulties. Just because Jesus was tempted and attacked by Satan, it doesn’t mean he lost; Jesus only stood his ground on the solid rock even more and Satan walked away with nothing. 

Sure, we can argue that works means his ministry, like when he cast out demons and raised people from the dead or cured them from disease. So, when John 14:12 says "...whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing," we could strictly talk about miracles, loving others, and promoting the Gospel in supernatural ways. But, everything Jesus did on Earth was part of his ministry, even when Satan tempted him. In addition to Jesus erasing our debt to sin, his life was a model for how we as believers should live to glorify God in every situation before us. Living to glorify God includes saying no to Satan with power and authority. When Jesus was tested by the Devil in Matthew 4, Jesus established Father God as the great Authority and glorified God each of the three times Satan tempted him in this passage. Therefore, the testing of Jesus in the wilderness was part of his ministry. In the end, the Devil could not succeed against the power of Jesus! Amen!

So, where is your allegiance when things don’t go your way? How do you demonstrate unequivocal faith to God when the tables turn against you like Jesus did in the wilderness? How is your attitude when you’re dealt a bad hand in your wilderness? Does Satan merely push you around into doing what he wishes, enslaving you and shackling you into the ball and chain of his lies and empty promises? Or do you “Submit, yourselves, then, to God. Resist the Devil…” (James 4:7) and he flees from you the way he did with Jesus in Matthew 4? Will you say no, "away from me Satan," just as Jesus did? Will you allow the power of the Holy Spirit, the sovereignty of the Almighty, and the authority of God's Holy Word command the Enemy to back down and have no place in your life?

When you look at Matthew 4, be inspired by the little power Satan does have when confronted with the magnificence of God’s Truth. It’s not that Satan is not powerful, but that God’s sovereignty and supremacy is infinitely more powerful. So, the next time you feel the wrath of Satan nipping at your heels, remind yourself how you can overcome the Enemy with these strategies:

1. reference the power of the Word

2. declare your allegiance to the One True God

3. be strong, bold, and forceful towards Satan (if he speaks lies over you, spit the Truth back to him!)

4. surround yourself with a courageous, fierce, wise body of believers who are committed to putting God first.

Do these things, and the ground you build your house upon no Enemy can destroy. You can silence the Devil and sever ties with his tricks through partnership with God's will for you today, in this very moment! It's time to start are divine revolution in your life NOW!

How to Counterattack the Devil - Pt. I

Though times have changed since the resurrection of Jesus, one thing remains true: Satan will not stop doing what he can to disrupt the connection we have with God the Father and disable us from living out our influence to further his Kingdom for his glory. I have never heard Satan tell me to turn the rocks into bread or throw myself off a cliff so I can demonstrate my own power to save myself. However, Satan does come after us in other ways: lust, worry, greed, laziness, mistreatment of those around us, pride, selfishness, jealousy. If I can just get Josh stuck, even if it’s temporary, I could convince him to permanently walk away from this so called ‘freedom in Christ’ he is embracing. That’s Satan’s goal. Since he cannot eliminate God, he will do what he can to eliminate God from our hearts and minds. A day without God is a victory for Satan, and he’s been at work since before Jesus’ birth.

In Job 1, when Satan approaches God and challenges him, God tells him he can put Job to the test, “…Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically” (v. 12). What does Satan do? He tries to prove to God that Job will lose faith in God once all of his possessions are gone. It’s almost as if Satan says to God, “I don’t need to make him walk away from you, he will do that himself; watch.” All in one chapter (Job 1), Job’s possessions are taken from him: first, the animals are stolen. Second, sheep and shepherds are burned up. Third, servants get killed, and camels get stolen. And, to end chapter one, the fifth thing Satan strips from Job are his kids after the house collapsed on them. Yet, through all of this Job did not sin against God. When Satan approached God again, God once again told Satan about Job, this blameless man of integrity and great fear of the Lord. What did the Devil do? He struck Job with boils from head to toe; it was so bad, even Job’s wife told him to ‘curse God and die’ (Job 2:9). 

From that moment forward, Job’s friends come to him with their theories about why Job’s life has become an utter disaster. We know why, but his friends are oblivious. One friend says, “Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin” (Job 5:17), and the same friend also says, “If God does not trust his own angels and has charged his messengers with foolishness, how much less will he trust people made of clay?” (Job 4:18) Keep in mind, this foolish friend is still referring to the same man who God called “the finest man in all of the Earth…”,  “Blameless”, “a man of complete integrity…”, “fears God and stays away from evil” (Job 1:8). But friend number one does not stop there! He even calls Job out on being a sinner who God trusts less than the angels! Job has two more friends ready to provide their own wisdom on the matter. Friend number two, Bildad,  calls Job “an ungodly, wicked man, [who] was unjust and uncharitable” (according to Matthew Henry’s commentary/translation), and that Job was justly punished for his ungodliness. Friend three is not any better in his reproving of Job. Among other reproofs, Zophar theorizes that Job is a hypocrite unless his possessions are restored. To Zophar, a wealth of possessions meant you had righteous favor with God, so if they are removed from Job, not to be returned, he must be a hypocrite. In addition, Zophar encourages Job to repent, even though we know the reasoning behind Satan’s attacks.

All three perspectives shared by his three friends are abhorrently false, and it should be noted that if they condemned Job with false allegations and incorrect assertions, did they really comfort him in his time of need? Worse, did they encourage Job to trust in God? At this point, Satan must love the misinformation Job’s friends are feeding him because confusion can often separate us from the Truth of who God is, which is Satan’s ultimate goal. The three friends, with or without knowing it, have added to the confusion that Job might already be experiencing, and when all is said and done, it is Job’s conversation with the Lord that brings clarity and understanding to the situation. Near the end of the book of Job, it is God’s turn to respond, and he starts with this:

“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” (Job 38:2)

Can we call a full timeout here? If you ever need a reminder of God’s sovereignty, go to this verse. We all know God is omniscient, so he is not required to ask Job anything. God does not answer to Job, because God does not lack wisdom. However, do you recall Job 1 and 2? God publicly boasts about Job in front of the angels and Satan. Job 1:6 says, “One day, the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them.” Following Job 1:6, God tells Satan what an incredible man Job is. So, God has his reputation on the line too, yet he allows Job to live up to the reputation God gave him. When Job complains and compares his present afflictions to his former glory in Job 30, it is the opposite of the behavior God brags to Satan about. I believe God shows Job tough love in chapters 38-42 because Job is living below the standard that God empowered him to live! It’s almost as if God is saying, “You are blameless and full of integrity; the finest man in the land! Don’t lower your standards when I have empowered you to live with boldness!” Before Job goes any further, God does not cut corners and gives him perspective on who he is:

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4)

“Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell me about it if you know!” (Job 38:17-18)

“Who gives the wild donkey its freedom? Who untied its ropes?” (Job 39:5)

“Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its back with a flowing mane?” (Job 39:19)

“Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south?” (Job 39:26)

God continues asking Job hypothetical questions like these; questions that point back to His power.

Then, the Almighty God finishes the first challenge with this:

“Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” (Job 40:2)

There is more in God’s second challenge to Job, where God talks to him about the strength of the two colossal creatures, the Behemoth and Leviathan, and goes on an epic monologue about only giving Job praise if his “own strength could save you” (Job 40:14). Spoiler alert: Job’s own strength cannot save him, and God knows this.

Shortly after God puts Job in his place, Job humbly approaches God to verbally declare his sovereignty. Once God sees Job’s repentant spirit and humble heart, he not only reprimanded Job’s friends and commanded them to pay Job with bulls and rams (Job 42:7-8), but He also “restored his fortunes” and “gave him twice as much as before” (Job 42:10).

As a result, we can look at Job’s story as a lesson in never losing perspective of God’s sovereignty and wisdom in times of crisis; in this case, in situations where Satan stands ready to attack. Job’s possessions were restored to him after he recognized his position compared to God’s. When we limit God’s power and authority, we open our heart to deception from the Devil. Satan wants to divide us from reassurance in the true King.

The greatest shield that will protect us from the Enemy is intimacy with and trust in God Almighty. Not only does intimacy with God give us eternal clarity, but it gives us hope and trust in a higher power as we navigate through troubled waters. Our faith in the power of God will remove us from any temptation and stabilize us under the protection of His love. It is promised that we will be given wisdom if we ask God for it (James 1:5) and that, if we “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God…we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16).

Will you seek our Heavenly Father first, as it says in Matthew 6:33? Will you ask for wisdom in the midst of the darkness where Satan lurks? Even Job’s friends could not provide Job with wisdom, yet God is a merciful, loving Father who approached Job and restored to him all that was lost.

We don’t have to wait like Job did; we shouldn’t whine, complain, and wallow in self-pity before God reminds of who we are in Him. We can boldly approach God immediately, no matter the circumstances. We can rest in the unchanging power of God as a resource during desperate times.

If we fill our hearts with faith, hope, and praise to God for who He is, we can overcome the attacks of Satan, because our greatest counterattack is resting in the one who made the Behemoth strong and mighty, who commanded the sun to set and the moon to rise, who gives the “donkey his freedom” and “horse its strength.” Will you trust in the all-sufficient protector who keeps the “sea inside its boundaries”, knows where “the gates of death are located”, and “sends rain to satisfy the parched ground”?

God thinks you should. Satan may throw trouble your way, but this God we serve is mighty to save. Go to him, and the trouble you endure will turn to dust in the palm of His hand.

Seeing Through the Struggle: The Gift of Generosity

God is closer than we think sometimes. Just as we might call on our dad to pick us up when the '97 Corolla won't start, call on mom when we need a simple recipe, or when you call on your best friend when you need some company to make it through a rough week, God is readily available when you need him. Unfortunately, we don't think God is as accessible when our trials seem bigger than him, but before Jesus went to be with God the Father in Heaven, he made a promise to his disciples in John 16:24:
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." - John 16:24

Here, Jesus is reassuring his followers that he is providing a new way of access to God before he leaves Earth. Before you are showered with reasons why it is in your best interest to ask God for things, in his name of course, let's look further at the context of this verse:

Jesus is talking to the disciples because he overhears them murmuring about how he is going back to be with the Father. Sensing their apprehension, Jesus reminds the disciples that their grieving will soon turn to joy. That's right! This verse deals with disciples worrying that Jesus' departure will cause much pain and sadness. We know the disciples are worrying about Jesus leaving Earth to be with the father because Jesus references the disciples sadness and trial in this moment in verse 22.

Just like the disciples grieving over the loss of Jesus in physical form, trials often take on the disguise of something good being taken from us, whether it be a loved one, a possession we once had, and/or an intangible being taken, like happiness, peace, and hope. The disciples' were justified to feel the grief and sorrow upon losing a dear friend, but Jesus reminds them to look ahead to the fulfilling of Scripture and how his departure is part of a bigger plan. Though the sorrow may last for a moment, this grieving will be replaced with joy (v. 22). Yet, from the perspective of the disciples, it looks like God is taking Jesus away from them. Sounds like a perfect recipe for grieving and deep sadness. However, God has plenty in store for the disciples, and it comes in the form of the Holy Spirit.

Earlier in John (chapter 14), Jesus promises the disciples that "Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name..." (John 14:12-13).  Though Jesus' departure could be seen as painful, greater things are coming because of it. In fact, John 14:26 says, "...the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all the things and remind you of everything I have said to you." Though Jesus was going, he was leaving behind part of himself to the disciples (and to us!) that would continue the plan God has. In fact, Jesus says in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Now, God's will for you isn't to go through pain (see John 10:10 - don't confuse the Savior's job with the Devil's job), but good will come of the pain (Genesis 50:19). Ultimately, our focus should be on what God can and will do through the struggle.

But, what does the disciples' grieving over Jesus departure and him leaving us with the Holy Spirit have to do with asking God for anything in his name?
For one, God has an incredible plan, and he will use those trials to achieve the plan and purpose. Even though we go through trials throughout our earthly existence, God has a plan through it, and that plan is worth trusting. He had a plan even after Jesus left to be with him, and he continues to have a plan when we experience pain like the disciples did. When we ask God for anything in his name, we are trusting him to do what he does: give in abundance - it's part of his plan.
Let's go back to John 16:24: "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."
According to this verse, God has gifted us with his generosity. He gives us what we ask for, including joy. When we ask in his name, we receive. We receive an abundance of blessing in the midst of struggle. We receive a helper, the Holy Spirit, and we receive peace.

When we ask in his name, it implies that our hearts are in alignment with his will. His will is perfect (Romans 12:2), so if we ask for what is in alignment with his will, we will receive it. According to Matthew Henry Commentary on this verse, “Asking in Christ’s name, is acknowledging our unworthiness to receive any favors, and shows full dependence upon Christ…” This also means that asking in Christ’s name comes with a price: humility. When we humbly accept that all good things come from God, and the things that feed the Spirit (not the flesh, like a sports car or $1m) come from him, we receive them because he is generous and good. When we ask in his name, we are asking for things that God is in the business of giving – so when we ask for the things he gives, he will give it. If we ask for prosperity through hardships, he will give it to you because you are asking for a spiritual blessing that God is in the business of giving. He knows what is good for the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7), and it’s the heart where all good things flow (Proverbs 4:23). He desires to give us supernatural freedom and prosperity, and when we are open to receiving the supernatural from him, he pours those gifts into our existence. As we ask, he downloads his perspective, his heart, and his will into your heart and mind. We begin to think the way he thinks because we are in the humble position to do so. Asking God in his name means we are considering his plan and the way he gives, not to satisfy our flesh, but to build us up in Spirit. Therefore, when we ask, God knows how to give us exactly what we need, even if we are asking for the wrong thing in the moment. The disciples experienced this with Jesus while he was on Earth.

In John 14 and 16, Jesus encouraged the disciples before his departure to be with God. In the midst of trial, Jesus reminded them that he is leaving something behind (the Holy Spirit, as well as peace) - part of God's plan. In other words, Jesus knew what the disciples needed. They need peace and joy, which Jesus later promises them (John 14:27). The disciples didn't even ask, yet Jesus knew! How much more will God give in times of trial when we ask him directly! The disciples received, so that their joy would be complete! And remember: grieving is not a bad thing. Jesus even says, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and no one will take away your joy." Jesus promises that their joy will be complete through the process of grieving; grieving is not eternal, but joy will be!

Do this: Memorize John 14:27 in moments of trial. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Why? Jesus gives you peace, and much, much more. We know he gives because of John 16:24. Ask and you will receive. Identify what God is in the business of giving by getting to know his heart, then start asking! Watch him give!

Seeing Through the Struggle: The Gift of Perseverance

Within the church, I hear a common phrase uttered among folks of all ages: “I’m in a difficult season,” or “we’re going through some challenges.” In fact, these topics of conversation are not just limited to the churchgoing family or individual. We are all guaranteed difficulty, and some encounter seasons that cannot be overcome by the power of the individual experiencing the pain. God doesn’t promise a pain-free life for those who believe in him, but he does promise he has overtaken it. There is victory in the end! Unfortunately, in moments of struggle, it is hard to see past the fog and into the perspective of God. Even if God doesn’t snap his fingers to make the fog disappear, he does give us the perfect set of instructions on how to encounter the season of obstacles. Within these set of instructions, God promises us an outcome that develops from putting on an attitude, mindset, and perspective that not only honors him, but delivers you through the difficulty and into victory.

        One of these mindsets comes from James 1:1-4:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Not only are we commanded to allow the trials to test our faith, but to take joy in them! Be thrilled that you get to experience difficulty, because in the end, it is the pathway to maturity and completeness in Christ. Your joy through pain is not an excuse for complacency and laziness; we are also called to act in wisdom, not like the foolish and ignorant. However, our attitude and perspective should be focused on our end goal: how our trials can positively influence our maturity in Christ Jesus. Unfortunately, it is during struggle we often take our eyes off of Jesus and/or demand that he take care of our situation. Our attitude is not right. Perseverance is being patient in the midst of difficulty. Unfortunately, steep in fight or flight, we go into protective mode, building steel walls around our heart so nothing can penetrate its vulnerable state. We close up instead of opening up to God’s provision. We become so damaged when we face trials and will even go as far as crafting made-up scenarios in our mind to justify our fear and disappointment. In essence, the trials and possibility of upcoming trials dictate our present attitude. Often, we kick God out of the situation and/or let the situation determine how we approach God instead of letting God teach us and mold us through the struggle.

In James 1:1-4, he does not diminish the impact trials have on us. In no way is James downplaying the power a difficult season can have. Instead, he is describing a mindset we can choose to have in the midst of a season we have don’t have a choice over. Nobody ever told you you have to cheer up when life is tough, but nobody said you couldn’t take joy in those seasons either. Yes, trials are no fun, but trials never had control over your attitude and perspective. You do. You can choose joy through trials instead of pouting about it. God didn’t just gift you with life, but he gifted you the freedom to choose who you trust in and what attitude you will have no matter what. Choosing to have a godly perspective that is filled with joy through difficulty is another way of saying, “I trust you, Jesus! Do what you will in this season.”

 Despite the world providing “solutions” on how to cure “bad vibes” by “doing you,” ask God what he is looking to do with you through the season of trial. A trial-filled season is not the time to bail on God, but to lean in, stand your ground, and go deeper than you have ever gone before. What if instead of reacting through your emotions, you listen to the Spirit and what it is saying to you? Your response to trials will determine the level of growth you reach. Don’t let the level of difficulty you face determine the limitations you place on your growth. God has gifted you the ability to persevere and overcome in the midst of pain. Let it finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Amen.