Notes of Faith January 22, 2026

Notes of Faith January 22, 2026

Pastor Charles wrote these thoughts for more than a year while still recovering from a massive stroke. They are filled with wisdom from above and the love of a shepherd for his flock. May you be blessed from God through Pastor Charles as you continue to read what I have saved of his writings!

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

June 11, 2000

“HOW TO REMAIN POSITIVE

WHEN THE BOTTOM DROPS OUT OF LIFE - Part II”

James 1:2-8

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Last week (yesterday’s devotion), we learned that we need to accept the fact of trials and understand the work of trials. Now, let’s look at the next step.

1. Ask for wisdom in trials (vv. 5-8) - Wisdom is the practical side of knowledge - the ability to put knowledge to work. Three elements are necessary for effective asking or “prayer sense.”

Sense of need (v. 5a) - Having biblical knowledge is one thing. Often, we need that knowledge translated in the reality of an experience we are passing through. We need a wisdom other than our own. We need wisdom to see this testing in the context of God’s purpose.

Sense of hope (v. 5b) - “Let him ask of God. Note the certainties.

• “Who gives to all” - no personal preferences

• “Generously” - no limitations

• “Will not reproach” - no reprimands

• “Will be given” - no withholding.

The old hymn reminds us, “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God” - where wisdom can be found in abundance.

Sense of confidence (vv. 6-8)

• How are we to ask? In faith, asking for wisdom.

• What are we like when we doubt? The waves of the sea, driven and tossed about.

Changeableness is an indication of an unsubdued will.

• What can we expect from God when we doubt? Nothing.

(Jesus could not do many works in His own country because of their

unbelief.)

Bottom line:

Are you at the place in your life where the bottom seems about to drop out? If so, learn to accept the fact of trials, learn to understand the work of trials, and ask for wisdom in those trials. A big order but a bigger God.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Earthly trials seem to come in abundance. And our adversary wants nothing more than to divert our hearts and minds away from Almighty God toward himself. Satan wants to be worshipped. May I infer that when we sin, when we do anything that is against the will of God, that we are serving Satan. I know that no follower of Jesus wants to serve Satan, so let’s be more sincere in repentance and obedience to God! These earthly trials build endurance and spiritual maturity if we see them through the perspective of God! Our Awesome God is above all that He created… Satan is a created being, once perhaps the highest and greatest of angels and worship leader for God…until pride took him to the lowest of beings, desiring to take God’s place. Let us not attempt to take the place of God during our trials but trust God to use them for His glory and our greatest good!

Pastor Dale