Do you ever notice that people who are true professionals and outstanding performers in their field embrace difficult challenges. Professional athletes enjoy a very difficult workout or practice, scientists and academics enjoy challenging and technical problems to solve, musicians enjoy the hours of work to master a piece of music. The opposite I am sure you have also seen, the people who are always trying to cut corners, cheat, and avoid facing up to the challenge.

In many ways, this is like James describes in James 1:2-4, where he writes, “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” TLB

To master our lives as Christians we need to face our difficulties and temptations the way Jesus taught us to with faith, prayer, and confidence; knowing God is right there with us and these tests are helping us master our Christian lives.

Dear Lord, it is hard to be happy during the difficulties and temptations we face, but help us remember to use the things you teach us, faith, prayer, and confidence in your love for us, to face our difficulties. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.