James 1: 2-4
Well, it’s taking me a while to work through this. I’ve read through James 4 or 5 times now, but keep backing up to certain passages.
Last week it was Chapter 1: Verses 5-8, I’ll blog a little more on those verses later. But to go in order….
This week I’ve been sitting on Chapter 1: Verses 2-4.
“2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Verses 2-3, I get. Been there done that. I had trouble with verse 4. “ 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
After praying over this, I think I might understand what he means. I think its as simple as, when your called to a place of perserverance…just ride it out. Don’t try to create short cut to get to the other side faster. Don’t jump ship in the middle of it because its too hard. DON’T TRY TO FIX THE SITUATION!
Just know that “HE is God, HE is good and HE CAN be trusted. ( yes, it’s starting to sink in Tim).
I know for me, I’m the “Shortcut King”. Jumping here or jumping there and never letting God finish what he’s started. Somtimes I think when God is trying to get me to be still, it’s like He’s playing “Wack-A-Mole”…but I seem to duck back underground just in time.
My own personal proclamation…”I will not move from this place until God tells me too”. It’s the ONLY way I will ever be spiritually whole.
Feels pretty good, you should try it. 
-c.
3 Responses to “James 1: 2-4”
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November 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I’d like to say my job is a trial and that I don’t like it, but it’s not really the job. It’s one person at the office that has been my “heavenly sandpaper” for about 13 years now. Used to be fine grit sand paper, but through the years it has become much more coarse. In August I heard very clearly that I was supposed to focus on my job, and I was told why. That situation no longer exists and I want to know what’s next. I know that I want to jump ship because I really don’t like working with this person. What’s clear though is that I’m giving control to a person who really has no control over me at all. God has shown me over and over that He is in control and that I need to trust him. I thank Him for every blessing, quickly forget and go back to ranting. The trials are easier when the focus is clear and I realize God is in control.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:37 am
Good post Luv Monkey – that is one thing I am guilty of also, giving control to someone else, which definitely muddies the water (focus). In doing that, I am trusing the other person instead of God, and I’m sure the other person doesn’t always (if ever) have our best interest at heart the way God does. Sometimes the other person doesn’t even know they are affecting my life so much and have this control. Life experience shows life is easier (A LOT easier) when we let God be in control – the hard part for me is my heart wants that to always be, but my mind doesn’t always let it. I want my heart to control my mind, not the other way around!
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
I guess my heart controlling my mind can only be true if God is in control of my heart