Why Me Lord?
Notes
Transcript
1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. There was war, bloodshed, want, privation, famine and pestilence, in the land; and as these things were without, God’s people began to press together, […]
My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little time of peace. Then the inhabitants of the earth were again presented before me, and everything was in the utmost confusion again. Strife, war and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this confusion and war. War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then men’s hearts will fail them for fear, "and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." {RH, August 27, 1861 par. 14}[1]
[1] The Review and Herald; The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald; Review and Herald (2002).
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Drifting: Meaning we drift or float from a state of happiness to sadness to happiness to sadness based upon the circumstances that we are in. Our happiness is based upon circumstance. We are victims of circumstance, allowing circumstances to dictate how we feel and act.
Pretending: We put up a good front even though we are dying inside. We pretend to maintain an air of invincibility. Or we pretend to maintain our perceived spiritual standing among our fellow church members.
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
