CAPE TRIBULATION

CAPE TRIBULATION

READ:
James 1:1-8

My brethren, count it all joy
when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience.
- James 1:2-3

On June 10, 1770, British navigator James Cook's ship hit a reef off the northeast coast of Australia.  He sailed the ship out into deeper water only to hit the reef again, and this time the collision almost sank the ship.  This experience moved Cook to write in the ship's log:  "The north point [was named] Cape Tribulation because here began all our troubles."

Many of us have experienced a trial that has seemed to trigger a string of other trials.  The loss of a job, the death of a loved one, an unwanted divorce, or a decline in health could all be part of the list.

Even though a crisis may seem to be our "Cape Tribulation," God is still sovereign and He most certainly is in control.  It is His purpose to use tribulation to build resilience into us.  James writes:  "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (James 1:2-3).  The word translated "patience" means to have staying power or the ability to endure.

In the midst of your life-changing trial, remember that God is still at work.  He wants to use your "Cape Tribulation" experience to build your character.  He has promised His grace to see you through (2 Corinthians 12:9).  -Dennis Fisher

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. - Flint
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Faith grows best in the winter of trial. - Rutherford

INSIGHT
Today's reading begins with this humble and submissive greeting; "James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (v.1).  Earlier in his life, James, Jesus' half-brother, expressed skepticism about Jesus.  He mockingly joined in with his brothers, telling Jesus to become more public with His claims to be a prophet (John 7:3-4).  We are then told, "For even His brothers did not believe in Him" (John 7:5).  So how did sibling rivalry turn into submissive obedience?  The best answer is the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7).  Once James had seen the resurrected Christ, he was transformed from skeptic to a believing follower.  Because of Jesus' resurrection, we too have reason to believe and give our lives to Him and anticipate our own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace