I've found in many cases, this is a good way to look at our trials. We can't do much about them so we might as well learn how to grow into them...Spiritually that is!
James 1:2-4 says this: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The words perfect and complete in this scripture means to be entirely whole with no part wanting or unsound. A body without blemish or defect. In other words to be spiritually mature!
Here lies the problem for most of us. Trials overwhelm us. They feel a lot like walking around in clothes that are too big. Indeed they ARE! But like Jesus' own disciples we have to learn to grow in our faith. Pain, disappointments, and confusion are natural occurrences in a Believer's life. Don't believe me? Here are some examples from the New Testament:
WORRY AND STRESS
Mary and Martha are two sisters familiar to bible readers. They loved Jesus but had no problem being emotionally vulnerable in front of Him. Unlike some Christians they didn't hide their spiritual weaknesses with fake smiles and religious platitudes. What they felt, they felt deeply and expressed it openly to the Lord.
In Luke 10 Jesus and His twelve disciples made an unexpected visit to their home around meal time. The customary preparations could have been easily handled by two skilled women, but Martha found herself shouldering most of the responsibility. Sister Mary was sitting at the Master's feet enjoying the stimulating conversation. When Martha complained to Jesus, His words echoed across the ages to the ears of today's squabbling siblings. Stop Your Whining! (my translation).
[click here to read His actual words] Luke 10:41
PERSONAL TRAUMA
One would be hard pressed to find another person in the bible who went through as much trauma as the Apostle Paul. From the moment of his spiritual conversion physical ailments ravaged his bodies. After he was healed from blindness, a suffering of another kind set in. He was shunned by other Christians. (Acts 9:26-28) Talk about Church Hurt! When the Spirit led him on three missionary journeys it only got worse. He describes his ordeals in 2 Corinthians 11:21-28 [click here] Paul's Sufferings
In spite of it all, Paul finished the work God gave him. His problems didn't make him bitter but better! In the next chapter we find a spiritually mature Paul making this powerful statement regarding what is called his Thorn in the Flesh: 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 weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
EMOTIONAL INSECURITY
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Inside our minds and hearts is a person most people would never meet unless forced by external circumstances. Fear, pride, and self consciousness lurks there. But this is where the Spirit of the Lord does His greatest work. Most of us can identify with the disciples in Mark 4:38-40. Raging winds in storms can easily bring panic and thoughts of pending devastation. With Jesus by our side, we feel emboldened and believe we can conquer anything. But sense His absence for even a moment and we become like an infant craving His protection.
The words Jesus spoke to the wind could also be spoken to His disciples in every age. [click here] Jesus Calms the Storm In another translation verse 39 reads like this: "Quiet! Be still! As a loving parent, Jesus whispers those words to each of us when we start to fret about our problems!
It is easy to whine and complain about difficulties, but it's a lot easier to just lean on Jesus and ask Him to grow us up in the midst of them. (I Peter 5:7) But don't worry! We'll get there! Just like those shoes and coats your Mama forced you to wear. One day, they'll fit JUST RIGHT!
UNTIL NEXT TIME
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