GLORY

"But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position" (James 1:9).

The mystery of the scriptures is that they are full of seemingly impossible maxims.  James says, "The humble brother should brag in his exalted situation".  WHAT?  In our way of looking at things, the humble--meaning: the broken, afflicted, failing, and poor--have absolutely nothing to brag about (glory in).  In fact, "the brother of humble circumstances" wants to change his circumstances just as quickly as possible.  So how do we understand what James is saying?  Here it is: your earthly struggles and problems are working to uniquely accomplish your spiritual health and happiness.  Consequently, the greater your pain, the greater your glory!  So, the broken and abused Christian should brag about how awesome they are becoming in the Kingdom of God.  Jesus says it this way, "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you" (Matthew 5:3-4, The Message).

So today, keep in mind that your problems are simply at work to stretch your potential.  Each crisis is working to make you look more like Christ.  Go with it!