As we begin the new year, Converge churches and missionaries from around the globe will embark on 21 Days of Prayer. Join us on this prayer journey by reading the daily entries on Converge’s blog, or by downloading your free 21 Days of Impactful Prayer: Moving Forward guide. In addition, you can share daily posts from our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Thank you for joining us as we open 2021 in prayer together.
Day 11: Times of Testing
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).
Reflections
Did you know a person’s true greatness is seen in adversity? Our failures, disappointments, sufferings and setbacks are the earthly tests that come to reveal who we really are. Prosperity and success are not always good for us. The highest honor or the greatest achievement we can attain on earth is to be in a right relationship and enjoy fellowship with God.
The best season to achieve this honor is during a time of adversity. When everything is going well with us, we can be tempted to deceive ourselves and believe we’re spiritual giants. It’s only during a season of adversity that we are most likely to seek God’s face and to rely on his strength for security. The true strength of our faith, our hope, our patience and our humility can only be measured in times of testing.
Challenge
The challenge is to offer and submit ourselves to God without hesitation or reservation, no matter what comes our way. We should strive to bury our self-interests and self-seeking in the will of God and accept adversity as a spiritual process that develops and cultivates our souls.
Prayer
Most gracious and loving God, throughout this day when I am challenged to face temptations and adversities, I know it will be for my own good. Lord, you know what’s best for me. Grant me your wisdom and understanding to accept and embrace my adversities, knowing that my trials and tests only come to make me strong and draw me closer to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
