October 9 Scripture Reading
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 11:7-11, Isaiah 50-52, James 1
Reflection Verses: James 1:2-4
Reflection: Faith is tested through trials, not produced by trials. Trials reveal what faith we do have; not because God doesn’t know how much faith we have, but so that our faith will be evident to ourselves and to those around us. Understand now, trials do not produce faith, but when trials are received with faith, it produces patience. However, patience is not inevitably produced in times of trial. If difficulties are received in unbelief and grumbling, trials can produce bitterness and discouragement. This is why James exhorted us to count it all joy. Counting it all joy is faith’s response to a time of trial; and that response is what produces faith.
Prayer: Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, Thank You for trials that reveal our level of faith in You. Empower us, Lord, to receive those trials with joy, that they may create patience in us. Help us, Lord, to patiently endure each trial, so that we may mature in the faith… In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
