Irony.

Elyse and I have restarted our study of James for this year. I love the book of James. And though Luther called it the "Epistle of Straw", I'm certain it is part of God's inspired Word and find it intensely practical & theological. James doesn't mess around. He writes his greeting and then he's off to doctrine and how to apply it. The short epistle acts as a litmus test for the Christian, allowing us to examine our lifestyles-- the way we react to trials, our speech, how we treat others, etc--and it causes us to look at our hearts--what motivates and compels us to act Christian. 

We finished the first chapter. Joy in trials. I love how God orchestrates things so that all that I am learning will interconnect and how it all comes at the perfect time. In CCM this week we learned all about suffering & sanctification. And how fitting this was in light of this crazy week with midterms, the general busyness of this year, & this sucky spiritual dryness that I feel has been plaguing my soul. Yet, amidst these things I can still rejoice & find comfort in the grace of God.

Lately, ironies of the Christian faith have been more apparent to me; and O! how I love them! Because of the Gospel, trials-- which the world would deem as unkind or unfair of a loving God to give me--are evidences of His faithfulness, love, and grace, in that they are given to make me more into the likeness of Christ. 

Even this time of dryness has been such a blessing. It sucks that my heart is so "prone to wander" & so apt to whore itself to the world, misplacing its affections in things other than the Gospel. But, this battle is showing me how much I need God. I know that Christ not only saved me, but that it is the Gospel that will also sustain me and move me through sanctification to glorification. I cannot wait for that day when my sin will cease & I will be able to see my Saviour. Until then, I shall continually echo the statement of the father in Mark 9, "I do believe; help my unbelief."