Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

James 1: 2-4

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. 

One of the phrases that has slipped into our language in the last few years is “We got this.” It’s an expression of confidence, one that says, “Don’t worry. We can complete this task. We can meet this challenge.”

There have been many times in my life that I did not feel so confident. I’m pretty sure that’s been the case for you, too. While we were students, we lacked the confidence to learn a math concept, or memorize and recite a poem, or try out for an athletic team. Fearing failure, we shrank from the challenge.

That attitude probably continued into adulthood where the challenges of being an adult dwarfed those we faced as students. Starting a new job, having a newborn baby in the house, or any number of other situations told us, loudly and clearly, “You don’t have this.”

The writer of the epistle of James provides a valuable reminder for those times when we face life’s challenges. Rather than shrinking with a lack of confidence, the writer says we should consider such challenges “pure joy.” Why? Well, had the writer been using 21st century language, he might well have said, “You and God got this! You and God can handle whatever the challenge is.”

What does it feel like to be a partner with God in the challenges you face? With God by your side, can you do the things that need to be done? Can you say, “We got this!”

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to remember that you are our partner not just in the times when we feel good but also in the times where we are challenged. Help us to take joy in the fact that you are always with us. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life. 

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org. 

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.