If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.—James 1:5
Do not think that the Christian life is a life free from temptation. Temptations will come to every Christian. Both the Christian and the one who does not accept Christ as his leader will have trials. The difference is that the latter is serving a tyrant, doing his mean drudgery, while the Christian is serving the One who died to give him eternal life. Do not look upon trial as something strange, but as the means by which we are to be purified and strengthened. “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” James declares, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Our sea will not always be smooth. We shall have storm and tempest. Meeting difficulties is a part of our education, necessary to the formation of a strong, symmetrical character.
In the future life we shall understand things that here greatly perplex us. We shall realize how strong a Helper we had, and how angels of God were commissioned to guard us as we followed the counsel of the Word of God.
To all who receive Him Christ will give power to become the sons of God. He is a present help in every time of need. Let us be ashamed of our wavering faith. Those who are overcome have only themselves to blame for their failure to resist the enemy. All who choose can come to Christ and find the help they need.
The world is enshrouded in the darkness of error. Satan and his angels are urging on their warfare against the truth. We must have help. But the help we need will not come from human beings. We must look to Him who has said, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth,” “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
There stands among you the mighty Counselor of the ages, inviting you to place your confidence in Him. Shall we turn away from Him to uncertain human beings, who are as wholly dependent on God as we ourselves are?—The Signs of the Times, January 3, 1906.
Further Reflection: If God sometimes uses other people to counsel me, how can I avoid making them my confidants instead of God?
From Jesus, Name Above All Names - Page 128
Jesus, Name Above All Names