“2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”
Life, have you ever really thought about the purpose and uniqueness of life and how our calling, our reason for being here can get so easily lost in the shuffle? Life has a mission, I would even say through the fall of mankind and the overrun of a sinful world; a purpose to defeat, misguide, addict, distract and even destroy earth’s inhabitants. When you think about it, life overall is difficult. Daily experiences, if allowed, can test, stretch, and reveal the inner substance of all of us. That is the reason for this message, if our core, our souls are not grounded in the Word of God and built upon His Truth then we can find ourselves reacting and overreacting in a fleshly manner to the day-to-day struggles and realities of our environments.
Within James, we are given instructions how to live a life resembling Christ, but more importantly a life filled with His Peace and joy, no matter the circumstance. Whether you agree with it or not, like it or not or even think it is unfair or not, the reality is we all live in a fallen race of mankind and we all will, not maybe or could be, but will have life experiences and opportunities that will stretch us to what we consider the breaking point.
Within James 1, verses 2-7 we find four bases for living a life in unison with God’s desire and calling. As we grow older, we mature in the different areas of our lives. We gain more experience in our careers, we grow to understand what to say when and when to keep quiet (most times 😊), we learn how to interact successfully with our families, friends and coworkers and our bodies, minds and spirits mature into adulthood (1 Corinthians 13:11). In Christ and the study of God’s Word we gain wisdom, growing to better understand and live out God’s will and purpose for our existence. This is the same for trials and tribulations. James states in verse 2 above, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” In various versions of the Bible some define perseverance as patience, endurance and within the Living Bible it translates “for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.”.
That is what I want us to focus on today, when the way is rough, in Christ and under the guidance and development of the Holy Spirit, in trials and under pressure we have a chance to grow, to develop, to become more sanctified in God’s Word. Two things come from opportunities, one is we grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, giving us the ability to rely upon His strength as we know everything on this earth was created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). Second, we have the opportunity for those around us to experience the heavenly Peace and resilience that can only be found in God’s unconditional love. Love lasts forever and overcomes all hinderances and emotional aspects of this world (1 Corinthians 13). When we love without ceasing and love without condition as bestowed upon us in Christ, then our walk, no matter the circumstance or environment can enhance who we are and develop each of us into the resilient, loving, patient, enduring and Peace filled believer we were created to be.
James goes on to elaborate on a few aspects that will assist in developing a believer to the next level. One, in your trial seek God for His wisdom. As believers we were not created to be on this earth so we can do our best, surviving and struggling as we scratch our way through life. A loving father and mother do not impose that upon their children and neither does our Father in Heaven.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, the door has been opened to our Almighty Father. In times of trial, we are instructed to seek God, seek His wisdom and allow Him to reveal His plan for each of us and those around us as we resemble His Son Jesus Christ in our faith walk. Many times, in a trial the step we forego is our seeking of the LORD and His will. For some reason, in some instances we believe that we should only come to God when the request is elaborate or only when we are in our prayer time. God is available and accessible always, at all times and under any conditions. In the good times, praise Him, thank Him and give Him glory. In the times of opportunity seek Him, ask Him and receive His guidance and wisdom for the circumstance. Your faith walk should include ongoing and continuous conversations with your Creator. When you reach out, it should not be like the distant relative you only see at the family reunion, your Father in Heaven should be your most intimate and close relative and friend. Romans 8:27 tells us God already knows our deepest thoughts, He knows what is occurring in our lives and He knows how to encourage, strengthen and enhance your abilities to be the overcomer He created you to be. When thinking about God, He should be our life coach. The One we turn to for guidance, wisdom, encouragement and strength regularly and ongoing, not just during severe times or times of extreme need.
A second aspect, when seeking God’s wisdom, James instructs us to be steadfast in our faith, without wavering (James 1:6). When seeking guidance and inspiration, it is instructed you believe without doubt, but be on guard. Ephesians 6:16 tells us the shield of faith will protect us against the fiery arrows of the evil one. Once you commit to seek God’s wisdom, the evil one will begin planting seeds of doubt and questioning within your mind and thoughts. It is important that in faith, you first protect your thoughts by standing on God’s Word and second control your thoughts as instructed within 2 Corinthians 10:5,” We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” James goes on to elaborate that a believer that wavers in their faith will not receive anything from the Lord and they are unstable in all their ways (James 1:7-8).
Following God’s will and instruction for your life is not going to be an easy assignment or task. This world is filled with every type of seduction and solicitation of evil and darkness focused upon redirecting even the strongest believer off course. The promise I like to keep focused upon within James is not the difficulties or that we will have trials, but instead the promise as outlined in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Blessed is the person who endures while under trial, blessed is the one who stays committed and strong no matter the circumstance and blessed is the one who does not waver when everything around them may be breaking lose. For those that stand strong in God’s Word, the ultimate glory at the end of this physical life is expressed completely within Matthew 25:21,” Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your Master.”
May your steps be committed, your mind protected, and your faith never waver! Shalom!
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