This post is Day 11 in a series of studies about “Renewing the Mind”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Renewing the Mind – Day 11

It is not natural for us humans to be happy through the trials and tribulations of life, and they are many. We complain about our lot, we moan about those who have caused pain, whether physical or emotional. We get depressed. Our natural reaction is to try to avoid problems.

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The Thought

This is a hard order to obey. It is not natural for us humans to be happy through the trials and tribulations of life, and for most of us they are many. We complain about our lot, we moan about those who have caused the pain, whether physical or emotional. We get depressed. Our natural reaction is to try to avoid problems.

How different life would be for most of us if we could recognize a problem as it begins, hear what God is saying, obey and move on quickly. This verse from James seems to be saying that the only way to do that is to rejoice!!

It is possible to help a butterfly come out of a cocoon, but if you do, it will die. There is something in the struggle to emerge that makes the wings develop, and if it doesn’t persevere alone, if someone cuts open the cocoon, the butterfly will die. The struggle strengthens the body of the butterfly!

Our physical and mental struggles in this life help us to grow spiritually.

As the Lord is changing us, we will often go through trials and tribulations. We will often feel alone and as though the task is impossible, but if we are faithful to Him through to the end of the struggle, we will emerge like beautiful butterflies, able to fly to heights we had never thought possible before.

Action

Praise God for the heights He has prepared for you to fly to. Praise Him for the caterpillar / butterfly life cycle which has so much to teach us.

Pray for the will to persevere in the trials the Lord is allowing you to go through.