Success, perfection and tough times?

PODCAST: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/3653d485/success-perfection-and-tough-times-james-no-2

Success . . . Maturity . . . Perfection and tough times?

Each conjures up something different in our minds. Narrowing the scope, may I ask you ,

'What does spiritual success, Christian maturity, godly perfection look like?' The question is compelling and beckons me to step into it...

to find out more, and go hard in the direction of answers. One thing is certain - God looks at these from an eternal perspective. So, let's go!

We have cracked open the little book that bears the name of its author: James, half brother of Jesus - believed to be the earliest New Testament letter. Picture James in first century Jerusalem, probably writing near Mt. Zion, where he is leading the first church. He writes to encourage and instruct the Jewish Christians who have fled the city because of mounting persecution.

Nineteen times in this letter, James references his 'brothers', fellow Jewish Christians. (brothers by bloodline and also faith in Jesus Christ). Though he writes to those who have been scattered, his writing applies to the new converts right there in Jerusalem, and what they are experiencing in their lives. And interestingly enough, this book of James has powerful application for you and me too.

Let's take a look:

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 

knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1.1-41

As a young girl, I memorized these verses from the Living Bible2, The Way.

From: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To: Jewish Christians scattered everywhere. Greetings! [ah, the 12 tribes]

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. James 1.1-4

'Interesting how James identifies himself: a bond servant of Jesus Christ (a voluntary servant for life), rather than brother of Jesus. hmmm... hard to imagine anyone today would leave out that familial relationship, isn't it? And then James gets right to it. 'I know you are facing trials such as you have never seen, but they are not without purpose in your life! Understand that God has permitted these things to grow and mature you, Brothers. They have a purpose.'

James goes further by saying: 'Consider it joy' or 'Be joyful'...What? Be happy when going through trials? Why, that is unnatural, illogical and near impossible, brother James! But he speaks of a perfect result: strong character.

Character is 'the combination of qualities or features that distinguish one person from another--their moral or ethical strength'. The Greek word James uses for character indicates it is developed over time, through testing.

But come on, James barely says 'hello' to his first century Christian converts, and he launches into the whole subject of trials . . . we have to stop and ask ourselves 'why?' 'No pleasantries, no 'glad handing,’ just, 'Consider it a great joy, my brothers, when your life blows up.'

Clearly, most of us do not know what it means to be denied a job or groceries or housing because of our faith, but these people did. [And we know that persecution against Christians across the world is increasing at alarming rates.] Still, most of us do not know what it is to be spurned by family because of embracing another faith, though these Jewish-Christian converts were ‘dead’ to their Jewish families. But we do know what fiery trials look like . . . when that unexpected thing comes out of nowhere, threatens to destroy us, and we cannot imagine how life will ever smooth out again. 

The fact is, trials are mostly a condition of living in a fallen world. And contrary to what some say, sometimes I think believers get whacked more than non-believers!

Because James indicates that God uses the storms in our lives for our growth and his purposes. I keep these words of Jesus in mind: 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."3  Looking back, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that the times of greatest growth have come from my biggest trials, but only because God was with me.

What is your reaction when a trial is pressing in on you? Are you stressed and anxious? Irritable? Maybe all of these--at least at first, but difficult times, especially those that are out of our control--are great opportunities to run to God; they remind us who God is, that he hears and answers prayer, and is so faithful. When I choose to trust God at all times, it creates in me an active steadfastness and staying power, a strength in my determination to remember that God fights for me, and he always has the Long Game in mind.

Friend has life thrown you a curveball? Are you in a battle?

->run toward the Light {Scripture, good and godly people, music and media}

->stop and surrender your situation to God

->ask God for his grace, wisdom and mercy in this situation

->ask your Father to help you see and experience his joy because of what he is producing in you through your circumstances—even now. Be joyful. Remember, you are being led by the King of Kings, and never forget what he has done in the past.

My determination is strengthened by

->reminding myself of truth:“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27.1

->“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27.14

I have a new friend who I met at Circle K, and prompted to ask her if I could pray for her, she said 'yes!' Turns out her son is in prison (for about another year I think). And maybe someone else is reading who says, 'if you only knew what is happening in my life!' Here's the thing--God knows. Let's go to him.

Dear Father,

How glad I am that you invite us to come to you and pray about everything. So, Lord, here we are - bringing you our heartache, grief, fear, anxiety and our concern that our situation could be hopeless, BUT YOU. Every time I think 'But, God,' I know that means You are working.

For those who need familial/financial resolution, I pray

for those who need mental healing, I pray

for those who need to make wise, godly choices, I pray

for those who need physical healing/a true touch from You, I pray

for those who need jobs, O Father, please lead and provide...

I am so thankful that you are seated on the throne, because when the King sits down, the battle is over! Please go before us as we ask for your mercy and grace in our individual trials; give us strength and your peace.

Thank you, Lord, that you are our Light and Salvation, an ever present help in the time of trouble; thank you that you use what life throws at us to make us more like you. Thank you, that we will never know a moment--not now or forever--without you in it because we are your children. Amen and Amen.

Listen to this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqcSoUft03s&list=RDQqcSoUft03s&start_radio=1

Thank God he is with us,

Christine

James, no. 2

1 - New American Standard Bible

2 - The Living Bible, also published as The Way, is a paraphrase, not a translation from the original New Testament language, Greek.

3 - John 16.33b