APRIL 16, 2013
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 Cor. 12:9).
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.
—Annie Johnson Flint. © Renewal 1969. Lillenas Publishing
Faith grows best in the winter of trial. —Rutherford
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
