James 1:2-3
‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.’

DAILY READING – Revelation 17; Isaiah 1-2; Psalm 108

Kathryn Kuhlman was converted when she was 14, at an evangelistic meeting held in a small Methodist Church in her hometown.

When she was 16 years, she graduated from high school. At that time, her older sister, Myrtle had married an itinerant evangelist named Everett B. Parrott. The couple spent their time traveling and preaching.

One summer they asked Kathryn to join them for the holiday and she went to Oregon to stay with them. She worked with them in the ministry and often gave her testimony during their meetings. When the summer was over, Kathryn wanted to stay on and the couple agreed. Kathryn ended up working with them for the next five years. As she travelled on preaching tours with her sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn came to realize that their marriage was not a happy one. They were under a lot of financial strains that was creating problems. Since the Parrots could not afford a maid, Kathryn decided to take over many of the household chores. Despite the tough situation, she did not complain but rather as she worked physically, she also used the time to grow in her spiritual walk with God. She spent much time reading and studying the Word and learned the basics of ministry through observing her sister and brother-in-law. And from what looked like a mess, God brought forth her message.

The years Kathryn spent with her sister and brother-in-law turned out to be years of learning and preparation that gave her a solid foundation for a global ministry that would greatly impact the world.

Years later, in many of her sermons, Kathryn would often refer to the lessons she learned in those early years as part of why she succeeded in ministry.

The things we pass through today often trains us to be stronger for our tomorrow. This is why James 1:2-6 tells us to consider it pure joy, whenever we face fiery trials. The fire is not meant to burn us but to purify us, so that after we have been tried we can come forth as gold.

Paul tells us to endure hardship as true soldiers of Christ. Though sometimes, outwardly it may seem we are perishing, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day. We are being strengthened, we are being made stronger. For our light and momentary afflictions are achieving for us a far more eternal weight of glory. [2 Corinthians 4:17].

In other words, after the trial, greater rewards are coming. After the tests come our testimonies. After the rain comes the sunshine. In all that we go through, God works behind the scenes to ensure that they all work out for our good. We are therefore encouraged not to become weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Many of the things we pass through in life are training us for our reigning. A season of spiritual preparation must precede the season of manifestation or outward prominence.

In the life of David for instance, we saw how God first prepared him before taking him to greatness. It was in the bush, in a time of worshipping God in secret that he was prepared for the throne.

Indeed, a season of hidden spiritual preparation is crucial to our outward manifestation. Our seasons of preparation will involve times of separation spent in prayer, fasting studying the Word and worshipping the Lord.

Certainly, our depth in God will determine the height we can attain in life. Therefore, let us learn to release ourselves to God to train and prepare us as He deems fit. Our concern should be ensuring we are in His perfect will at all times.

Men may exclaim in wonder at you when God finally unveils you, but then they didn’t see the hidden places of preparation where God trained you. Therefore, in every situation, let us learn to count it all joy, and keep praising the Lord at all times, because He is faithful to do what He has said He will do in our lives. Though weeping may have endured for a night, surely your joy is coming in the morning. Despite what may look like a difficult situation today, one day you will look back and be grateful for every lesson you learned along the way.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank You for turning my mourning into joy and dancing for me. Lord, please grant me the grace to persevere and submit to the seasons of preparations You bring me into for I know that in due season Your glory shall be revealed in me in Jesus’ name.

QUOTE
Everything that ultimately has a glorious ending usually has a humble beginning. – WORDBITE 222