There are times throughout the year when I find it a little more difficult to offer words of encouragement and inspiration to the people who may read the pastor’s pen in the Lamplighter. One of those times happens to be right now. While Christmas and Easter offer encouragement and inspiration just based on the season of the year, it is now, as my attention is on the pre-class work of Course of Study School (seminary), that I struggle with my offering to you. However, in my Bible readings for the week and prayers to God that he delivers in the book of James. At the beginning of this book of the Bible we can surely find both inspiration and encouragement for the places we find ourselves sent straight from our heavenly Father.

James begins with salutations and then quickly gets to the point, “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4. NRSV)

It is here that I glean wisdom from scripture. It is here that I gain a sense of hope for the things that come up in my life. It is here that I must learn to endure and celebrate the trials and hardships that life brings with it. I know it sounds weird and completely opposite of what we are taught to believe and live but I offer to you that if you can look at the hardship, pain and sorrow that you will go through as a time of growing into maturity and love then joy and living life more abundantly!

It is then that we can be as James says in verse 12, “such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Isn’t it amazing that we often have the audacity to think inspiration and encouragement could ever fully come from us? Knowing, however, that inspiration and encouragement can only come from the “Father of lights!” Isn’t it amazing that just when we think we can handle things on our own that that is when we need God the most! I am thankful that God provides us all with the inspiration and encouragement we need, through his Word and through Spirit, to face life with enthusiasm and excitement and joy! May God continue to bless, encourage and inspire all of you on your journey through life.

By His Inspiration,