Endure: Consider it joy when you face trials

Endure testing and temptations patiently. In the midst of it all, lean into your love for God and allow your trust in Him to help you endure. Remember what benefits God revealed in James 1:2-4 when it says:

2Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 AMP

So today let us be the dads who no matter the trials we face, consider it joy because we live in the assurance that the testing of our faith through real-life experiences will produce the endurance we need to become spiritually mature and find inner peace. Let us press in and press on with endurance so that when the work is done we can be found in the presence of God where we will be perfect and completely developed in our faith, lacking nothing.

Today’s Verse of the Day:

Therefore, be the dads who are blessed even under trials and temptations. Moreover, be the dads who are happy, spiritually prosperous, and favored by God in the midst of them because we are steadfast and persevere so that we may pass the tests and be approved by God! Finally, be prepared after you endure them to receive the victor’s crown of life that God has promised us who love Him.

So how can we apply today’s verse of the day towards enduring the trials and temptations that come our way today as dads? How can we take this message and step up and stand as the dads our wives, kids, and the world need us to be?

Applications of James 1:12 so we can endure and receive the promises of God that will help us be the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be:

1. Perseverance through Challenges: Embrace the challenges of fatherhood as opportunities for growth. Just as you remain steadfast in trials, demonstrate resilience in your parenting journey.
2. Faith in Promises: Hold onto the promise that God rewards those who endure trials. This faith can sustain you when parenting gets tough, knowing that your efforts are not in vain.
3. Leading by Example: Show your children how to face challenges with a positive attitude and strong character. Your perseverance will become a valuable life lesson for them.
4. Love and Sacrifice: As the verse mentions those who “love him,” remember that your love for God reflects in your love for your family. Sacrificial love helps you endure difficulties in raising your children.
5. Crown of Life: Envision the “crown of life” as the reward for overcoming difficulties in your role as a dad. This can motivate you to press on even when it’s challenging.
6. Spiritual Growth: See trials as opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Just as trials help us mature, the challenges of fatherhood can shape you into a better person and dad.
7. Patience and Temperance: Cultivate patience and self-control. These qualities are essential when dealing with your kids’ behaviors, conflicts, and your own emotions.
8. Seeking Wisdom: Ask God for wisdom in your parenting decisions. Rely on His guidance to make sound choices that benefit your family’s well-being.
9. Humility: Recognize that you don’t have all the answers. Admit mistakes and learn from them. A humble attitude can foster healthier relationships with your children.
10. Community and Support: Surround yourself with a community of fellow fathers who share your values. Sharing experiences, advice, and support can lighten the load of parenting trials.

Remember, enduring trials and becoming the father your family needs is a journey that takes time and effort. By applying the lessons from James 1:12, you can develop the resilience, love, and wisdom necessary to be the best dad you can be.