Counting Life's Experiences!

As we count our varied LIFE EXPERIENCES, which ones COUNT MOST to us? Do we COUNT MOST the ones which are fun-filled or the ones from which we stand to gain or have gained the most? Of course we like having fun and the memories of such times will linger with us, but the fun itself is only for the moment. It is the life encounters and experiences from which we gain something beneficial for life that provide the potential for an ongoing experience of joy relative to them. Even some experiences that would be classified as not being fun at all can still count among the MOST MEANINGFUL of life's experiences.

James exhorted. . .
"(2) COUNT IT ALL JOY, my brothers, WHEN YOU MEET TRIALS OF VARIOUS KINDS, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith PRODUCES STEADFASTNESS. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." ( James 1:2-4 ESV)

Certainly trials would not be called "fun". Listing our life experiences, trials would generally not fall into the category with our "good times." However, doing the spiritual math, they add up to great and lasting benefit. Though perhaps not good in themselves, God can make them work for good ( Romans 8:28) so as to then be good for us. They are what HELP US GROW. They are what STRENGTHEN OUR CHARACTER. They are what help MATURE OUR FAITH. Without them our life would not be COMPLETE!

Though life's trials may challenge us greatly, may we greatly rejoice over the LASTING BENEFIT they can bring. Living with eternity in mind, when we are tried and tested, let us rejoice in being found true to the Lord and to His Will.

Have a great day FINDING THE JOY OF FAITH FILLED LIVING!
Carl

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