"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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. 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. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do...When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." ~ James 1:2-8;13-15
Continuing from my post last night, I wanted to share a little something I believe is relevant for anyone dealing with any trial, temptation, sin, or suffering in their life. The fact is found in the basic ideology of Christianity. The idea that life is not about us, it is about God. When we are quick to look at what we have done or our miserable circumstances, we will find no hope. But when we look to God, we find it. This is because of who he is, not who we are. I may sound pathetic saying this, but human beings as a whole do not breed good. We see it in the hatred and strife found on the 6 o'clock news and the ripped relationships we have in our own lives. Us humans do not have it all together, but I am glad to say God does.
God is described many ways in the Bible. Descriptions I think we can all agree on as being beautiful and pure. He is described as absolute, amazing, everlasting, blameless, unchanging, boundless, caring, comforter, compassionate, gracious, good, glorious, holy, healer, discerning, eternal, deliverer, dependable, diligent, counselor, refuge, reliable, light, joy, humble, virtuous, unfailing... and the list goes on!
The whole idea of our relationship with God is not to avoid wrath, but rather to be in a relationship with him. To learn who is he is so we may be like him. He loved us first, so we are to come around and love him. Just as we have messed up dozens of times before, so are we going to do again. It is our human nature, the flesh, that we have to fight back everyday (Ephesians 6:10-18). However, that doesn't mean we have to continually mess up purposefully. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
I want to share with you a insert from a Beth Moore bible study, on the book of James. This is a reflection on the James passage above:
"A tidal wave of temptation is a surely a test of our faith as a time of suffering. Both boil down to whether or not we are going to believe God. Each also has an antithetical progression. If, when we are tested, we decide to be faithful and endure, endurance will bring about perfect effect. Something we've been missing all our lives ill be completed in us and will be mature... loving God with everything in us is key to a healthy heart. A good friend of mine often says that those who don't love God will love anything. If you make only solitary request for yourself or someone you care about, let it be this! To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength."
To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Is there any ounce left in the human body to be left unfilled if those areas are filled?
Today I want to be able not to focus on the temptations I have faced or the things I have sowned these passed few months, but rather the God whom I love. To consider it joy to be facing these temptations so that when I am through the hurdles, I know I have loved God and sown what is beautiful and pure.
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