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Consider it all joy, my 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 1:2-4

 

Good morning dear sister!

Are you feeling joyful this morning? I am thankful that I woke up, to be sure, but almost immediately I felt the heavy weight of responsibilities, activities and work that needs to be accomplished today.

Some people like to keep their days packed with a lot to be accomplished. They’re like the Energizer bunny…. they just keep on going! They feel fulfilled and are even recharged by meeting their goals! (or maybe they’re just younger than me!)

I tend to feel stressed when I feel there is too much to do and not enough time to do it. To add to that, I’m not a particularly speedy worker. I like to make a plan, doing things efficiently and thoroughly according to that plan, but my plan hardly ever means speedily. Therefore, I am putting ‘having too much to do and not enough time’’ in the ‘various trial’ category written above.

The other day, I was trying to get a job done, but I didn’t really have a plan. The reason that I was planless was the result of not taking the time I needed to think about it. Specifically, I didn’t take the time to pray about it. (I was too busy with other stuff!)

When I realized that I hadn’t prayed, I thought, ’Well, I’ve already started, I’ll just keep on.’

When I realized that I wasn’t making any progress I stopped my efforts, repented, and asked the Lord to guide my steps.

Was there an immediate response from above? No. I knew the lord would give me an answer, but in His time, not my own. Instead of wasting more time and effort, I let the job go, trusting that He would provide for my lack.

Happily, the Lord’s answer came to my mind the next day! I laughed out loud when I read the very next verse, practically shouting at me; “But if any of you lack wisdom, let her ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to her.” (James 1:5) 

Sometimes I don’t want to ‘bother’ God with my little problems. My trials seem miniscule compared to what Christians across the world are enduring, but James wrote those encouraging words, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to all the people who would someday read them! The poor and rich alike; all across the earth and time. 

There is no person so poor that God won’t lift up when they seek Him. There is no person so rich that He won’t give an answer when they humble themselves before Him. (verses 9,10) It will always come in His time, which is always the perfect time!

Meanwhile, in the waiting, our faith is tested, which produces endurance and endurance will ultimately have its perfect result, ultimately bringing us into perfection (maturity) and completeness, lacking in nothing! 

And that’s not all! The Lord calls a person blessed when they persevere under trials, for after having passed the test, they will be rewarded with the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him! (vs. 12)

Our God is such a loving Father to us! He knows exactly what each one of His children need to grow into maturity and completeness! The next time you see a trial coming at you, whatever it may be, why not confront it with an attitude of joy, knowing that you’re about to see your Abba at work! Take the time to seek wisdom from Him first, not last, like I did. He will give you all that you need and more!

God bless you my sister! Keep loving Jesus and moving forward!

With love, your sister, Celeste