James 1:1-4
The book of James is a great book in the bible. God called me to read it again last night and I've decided to meditate on James over the next few days. The more time I spend with the Good Book, the more the Good Stuff sticks. I like it when it sticks, so I'm going to take this particular Good Stuff bit by bit. For better digestion, take smaller bites. :)
James, acting as a leader, is writing to Jesus' followers who have moved away from Jerusalem and are in different parts of the early world. Unlike Paul, he isn't simply writing to one group of people, rather addressing Christ's followers as a whole.
In reading the bible, just about any chunk of it seems to contain a lesson on going through trials. James is no different. He starts out strong, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides." James 1:2 (MSG) A gift? Really? NLT says, "...consider it an opportunity for great joy." Not just joy, but great joy.
"Because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:3 (NIV) Now James sounds like Paul, "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance..." Rom 5:3 (NIV) When I had my business I was known practically to snarl the words, "Perseverance is the key!!!" near the end of a grueling day or during a particularly difficult project. I obviously didn't believe it, as I was overworked, overwhelmed, and spiritually undernourished.
While going through any difficult time, I knew I had to stick it out, but I could not make myself be happy about persevering. My spiritual hat was pulled down way too low for me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My hard work always paid off - job well done, happy clients... But I hated constantly being stressed and under pressure. Job-wise or otherwise, I never wanted to stay in my trials.
But, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4 (NIV)
If all I am focused on is making it through a tough time, I am missing the point. I'm stumbling through an obstacle course, twisting ankles and getting bruises because my eyes are on the finish line, not the obstacles, and most importantly, not on God. Maturity develops as I patiently examine each obstacle, look to God for help, then step out in faith, trusting that he'll catch me if I fall.
Now, I am glad to have "an opportunity for great joy" these days. I am focused on my obstacle: I got laid off. I need to find a job. The economy isn't the best right now and there aren't many jobs out there. But I am also focused on God: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV) God will provide. So I am thankful, and it is a gift because it allows me to lean on God, to strengthen my faith and to grow spiritually in a way that I could not if I never were tested.
When Paul writes of one of his trials, he says, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in [your] weakness." 2 Cor 12:8-9 (NIV)
Amen! :D
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