Not If, But When

“My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” James 1:2-4 NET

We are all going to go through stuff. It’s not a matter of IF it’s going to happen, but WHEN it’s going to happen. I don’t really like that truth, but I know it is true. I also know that Jesus knows it. He has been through more stuff than I will ever go through, and so I will lean on Him when it happens.

He is never surprised by things that happen. There is no oops with Him. He already knows we are going to blow it and still He loves us. Somehow that is comforting to me. He has enough faith for us both, until ours has grown through, and into, endurance.

For example, He knew Peter would deny Him (Mark 14:30). He also knew why (Luke 22:31). Make no mistake, ladies, Satan would sift us as wheat as well. He asks God for permission to do that every bit as much today as he did back then. And sometimes God says yes. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true, and just as Jesus did for Peter, He does for us.

I particularly like the NLT version of Luke 22:32: “But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus not only intercedes for us, He pleads in prayer for us. Wow.

When the rooster crowed three times, Jesus still had enough faith for Peter. He knew he would return (Luke 22:60-62).

“When” is here again for my family and me. I don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like, or how it’s going to end, but I know exactly Who to look to. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 NASB).

Jesus said “yes” to the cross when He could have said no. He doesn’t ask us to consider anything as joy that He wouldn’t have. It goes right back to Peter–“Satan has asked to sift you as wheat”. Jesus didn’t answer, “I told him no”; He said, “I prayed for you, and when you return…” He didn’t get him out of it, He got him through it.

Dear Jesus, thank You for always being there when trials come our way. It gives us great comfort knowing that You plead for us in prayer. As with Peter, let us remember that even though You may not choose to get us out of things, You will get us through them. Amen.