Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

This week is the kickoff for weekday Bible studies and small groups at church. On Tuesday I attended Cafe Mom which is a group designed for moms (hence the name) and different topics are presented and discussed. It's a topical discussion group that doesn't involve any outside prep or study. For example, this past Tuesday our pastor's wife lead a discussion on being women of God and how important it is for us to take time to read the Word and spend time with other godly women.

This morning I attended a Bible study that consisted of stay at home moms. We are studying the book of James by using a study ("Mirror, Mirror on the Wall") written by Jean Stockdale. It's only the first week and I have already been so encouraged. I thought I would share a little bit of what we discussed so you could think about and apply it to your life.

"For the child of God, suffering is not a meaningless or senseless, random accident. It is a series of calculated tests God designs to build Christian character in us. When tests and trials have the proper effect on our character, joy is our response. Endurance, resulting in maturity, is our reward." - Jean Stockdale.

The first chapter of the study was on suffering taken from James 1:2-4. We didn't start out with anything light...we went straight to the hard stuff! =) James 1:2, "Count it all JOY my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds." What was your reaction to the last trial you faced? For me, joy was not my immediate response. In fact, I don't think joy ever crossed my radar!!

I started thinking about godly people around me that have truly suffered -- a mom losing a teenage daughter suddenly; a great friend on the brink of divorce; a childhood friend giving birth to a stillborn baby girl; godly women who are losing their husbands to pornography...
I have been SO encouraged as I have watched the women in these situations respond with JOY and PRAISE to God, the one who ordained all these events. It humbles me as I think about the way I have responded in times of confusion or suffering.

Why does God allow these things? He tests our faith (not the believer) to show us what's in our hearts. James 1:3, "...the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." God wants us to patiently endure and rest in Him! As Stockdale states in the study, "If he didn't test our faith, we would become casual in our Christianity."

What's the purpose of the suffering? James 1:4, "And let steadfastness have it's full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." God sends trials our way so that we will be conformed to the image of Christ. Sometimes the process is painful but the ending is perfection in Christ. What a reward!!

Count it all JOY as we are being transformed and conformed to the image of Christ!


Meg