Trials and troubles are good!

James 1:2-3 AMPC

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. [3] Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

This scripture is very hard to stomach! Personally, I don't think I've ever reached the stage when I've thought: "Whoopee! a lovely trouble to go through!" Yet, like vegetables for our body, they are good for our spiritual development.

I read today, when looking at the life of king Solomon, success is more dangerous than failure.

The riches that he was laden with, the majestic temple and palaces, the wisdom - all the prosperity - even the queen of Sheba - came along way to see him and was mightily impressed.

[Note how Jesus warned about getting wrapped up in material possessions:

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. " Matthew 6:28-29]

However, the pride that ferments in the human heart when prosperity abounds is a snare that will cause a great fall.

Look at Daniel 4 - the account of Nebuchadnezzar - he went from king of all he surveyed to a madman who ate grass for 7 years. All because he boasted that he had made himself great. He lifted himself up, ignored God, forgot to look out for the poor and oppressed.

Only when he acknowledged God did he return to his right mind.

Solomon was enticed away by many romantic liaisons and his heart was seduced to worship the foreign gods, all because of his "girlfriends".

He ended badly and his fickle behaviour caused the eventual division in Israel.

If things are going well, I need to guard my heart more than ever.

1 Corinthians 10:12 AMPC

Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].

Father God, these are dangerous days, fill my heart with deeper devotion to Jesus, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.