Remember My Chains

 Remember my chains. These words have weight. Spoken from someone expressing affliction and sorrow. These words come from a lonely place. Chains imply imprisonment. I also sense strength in these words that come from Paul. They are from the very last verse in his letter to the Colossians which he wrote while in prison, in chains. If you ever wonder how Christians should live, read Colossians.

Paul's chains didn't prevent him from spreading the gospel or from encouraging believers. As a matter of fact, his chains produced many letters that we have recorded in the New Testament.

These words of Paul's didn't have an inclination of self-pity or discouragement. No. He persevered. He kept to the course. Why? How? Because he knew the Lord. He experienced Jesus. He was confident of Whom he believed and placed his trust in.

James tells us to have joy when we are experiencing trials and afflictions and persecutions and chains. This book tells us we will face times like these in our lives. Another versions says, we fall into trials and afflictions. Plunged into them. Not something we would ask for or choose, but they occur because we live in a sin-filled world.

Why should we consider it joy? Remember joy isn't about being happy but knowing these afflictions produce something in us; patience. This word comes from the Greek word hupomone and means to stay; abide; remain. It places us in a position of endurance.

Faith is tested through trials. No doubt about it. Trials will reveal what we are made of. Trials are not a one-time thing as we all know, but are ongoing. Some are worse and more tragic than others. Nevertheless, ongoing.

I think about Job, one of the most tested men who ever lived. He never lost faith. Satan was allowed to tragically destroy his children and possessions. Though Job never received an explanation from God of his tragedies, he did receive a knowledge about God he had never known before. This is what God wants for us: to know Him. When I read Job, I realize he and his wife experienced a grief that is more tragic than mine. He is an example to me of what to do with my grief.

Jesus told Peter that Satan had asked to sift him like wheat. We all have sifting that needs to be done but I sure don't like the thought of Satan asking for permission to sift me! Yet, I feel he tried to destroy my faith. And this is what he does. This is his purpose; to destroy our faith. Don't let him.

Faith grows during times of testing. This I know. However, it can also disappear. It all depends on what you do with your afflictions. James tells us to ask God for wisdom. Wisdom from God will teach us what to do with the trials we are personally encountering. If we turn to God and ask for His help, the Word tells us right here in James that He will give it, and generously. We must ask for it. Another place in James says we don't have because we don't ask. So, ask and believe you will receive. No doubting allowed. Doubts produce nothing and we should expect nothing from God when we ask doubting Him.

Remember my chains. As I am keenly aware of my own ongoing afflictions, trials and chains, I also place my trust in the One who knows all about them. Like Hezekiah in 2 Kings, I lay it all out before the Lord and pray. Talk to God and believe He is ready and able. Use the afflictions for the glory of God. Like Paul and Job and Peter, let it grow our faith and help us to endure all that we now are enduring and what may come in the future.