Faith is seeing God in the dark and in the light.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

Fire can be one of the worst enemies of trees. But it can also be helpful. Experts say that small, frequent fires called “cool” fires clean the forest floor of dead leaves and branches but don’t destroy the trees. They leave behind ashes, which are perfect for seeds to grow in. Surprisingly, low-intensity fires are necessary for healthy growth of trees.

Similarly, trials—pictured as fire in the Bible—are necessary for our spiritual health and growth (1 Peter 1:7; 4:12). James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4).

It is in the season of trial that God’s purposes are often realized, for there the conditions are right for us to grow into spiritual maturity. This growth not only equips us for living, but it also enables us to more accurately reflect Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.

In the hands of our Father, our trials can achieve His purposes for our good and for His honor. They can shape us into the likeness of His Son.

Father, teach me to trust You for the strength to endure difficulties and the faith to wait for Your good purposes to be accomplished in me.

Encourage others! Go to odb.org and share what God taught you through a challenging time.

信心是无论在逆境或顺境中都看见上帝。

我的弟兄们，你们落在百般试炼中，都要以为大喜乐。-雅各书1章2节

火是树木的大敌，但有时却对树木有益处。专家认为森林中频繁发生的“焖烧火”，可以清除树林地面上的落叶和枯枝，也不会损害树木。燃烧后留下的灰烬，最适合种子生长。很难想像，这种“焖烧火”竟然有助于树木健康成长。

同样地，圣经用“火”来形容试炼，而这也是我们灵命健康成长所不可或缺的（彼得前书1章7节，4章12节） 。雅各写道：“我的弟兄们，你们落在百般试炼中，都要以为大喜乐；因为知道你们的信心经过试验，就生忍耐。但忍耐也当成功，使你们成全完备，毫无缺欠。”（雅各书1章2-4节）

上帝的旨意往往在试炼当中成就，因为试炼提供了有助于灵命成长的条件。灵命成长不但能使我们的生命得着装备，还能使我们向这个迫切需要救主的世界，反映出基督的样式。

在天父的手中，我们所经历的试炼可以成就祂的旨意，让我们得着益处，还能使祂得着荣耀。这些试炼将使我们更像上帝的独生爱子。

亲爱的天父，求祢教导我，
让我相信祢能赐我力量度过艰难，
并求祢赐给我信心，
等候祢美善的旨意，在我身上成就。

鼓励其他人!  去奥伯格和分享上帝通过挑战性时间教导你的经验。

James 1:2-12New International Version (NIV)

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] 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. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

 整理：于姊妹