CROWN OF THORNS

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

James 1:2 ESV

I have not quite gotten to the point of celebrating during trials but I am learning that each trial needs a different level of grace. With that grace you can be embodied with the tools necessary. Galatians reminds us to be led by the Holy Spirit which produces these tools called the "Fruit of the Spirit" to equip you during tests. These tools are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

Yeah, I know many times we believe we got it until we are tested, until the storm comes and the boat is rocking, the waves are looking treacherous and it seems like there is no way of escape. This is when the tools come into play, not the power of knowing the scriptures but the faith you have in them and knowing that God said He will never leave you or foresake you, that ALL things work together for our good according to His purpose, He said

'do not be afraid, I am with you'. Having earthly fathers can be tricky because they are not perfect and make many mistakes, they do things wrong many times. But the Father who made creation, who calmed the sea during a storm for the disciples, the same Father that healed the sick, brought the dead back to life; tells us not to come out of character when things aren't looking so good. He gave us love when it seems like the person we love is not loving us back or better yet showing us the love in the way we expect it to be shown (learn the 5-love languages). To be able to, sing and dance during some of the hardest battles is a different level of faith. The ability to stand up to the enemy without frustration, with calmness and say he is a liar. One of the fruits that is uncomprehensive is to go an extended time through a test and not be bitter, cynical or angry. Being friendly, having good integrity (standing by your word), being loyal and devoted, and using will power and restraint to complete the test.

I've asked God time and time again to use me, to strengthen me in different areas, not taking into consideration the level of responsibility that comes with that particular area, and the test that proceeds. Why should we be tested? Like any good parent we need to know how much you can be trusted, what area you are deficient, and your area of capability. It is unlikely that a good parent knowing their child is incapable of driving would give the child the keys to a car. There is a sequence; you get your permit, do driver's ed, take a test and pass, then driving is no problem. Being a leader without some entry level training, apprenticeship or understudy of some sort is failure waiting to happen like pastoring without first serving. When Jesus, God in human form came on this earth He first came in through hospitality, and He gave us a course on humility. We read how He had been betrayed, lied to, spat on, hung on a cross and wore for all humanity the crown of thorns. Without being insulting, without any anger, without disgust, frustration he hung there as a true representation of love and faihtfulness. In the end He even prayed for the same people that betrayed Him. What an awesome Father, now when we say count it all joy we know that if we are following His steps we will be tested in our faith to receieve that same crown.

My friend, I have prayed and asked God for a God-fearing spouse, for a relationship that will be an example to others of Christ's love for us, for friendship, partnership, and all the fruits. I must count it all joy when our faith is being tested, when storms come and the waves seems unmanageable. To embody myself in the FAITH to withstand those trials. I have read, studied, prayed, I have been mentored, counselled and coached to prepare for marriage and life partnership. To not get lost in the wedding, the frills and fun of courting, to remain in an atmosphere of prayer, to understand that putting on the full armor requires a different level of preparation. Within a week I have spoken to two women going through similar circumstances but both being equipped differently got through their storms with different results; one whose marriage came out stronger (they both prayed together, applied faith and fruits) and the other headed for divorce (they didn't pray and they allowed frustration in using derogatory words toward each). I beckon to you today to seek God's guidance in marriage (if you are already married) and for marriage (singles in wait) to not just have a 'wedding' but to have a Godly Marriage.

Do you pray with your spouse? What has been some of your requests for marriage? Do you resent marriage? Let's talk...

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