James 1:2-4 - Not lacking anything

Scripture

James 1:2-4 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.

Observation

Who would you consider to be a mature Christian in your life? I can think of a few.  These people have an unexplainable joy about them despite their circumstances. Many times when someone we know is afflicted we pray for healing over them. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact, James exhorts the elders of the church to pray over those who are sick (James 5:14-15). 

Miraculous healing or restoration is awesome for sure.  But I tend be more "wow'd" at people who despite their circumstances praise God and allow their circumstances to refine them and make them more like Christ. These people bear each fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) in abundance.

Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). We will all have trouble. Being a Christian doesn't make you exempt from trouble. But something happens in our heart when we learn to embrace the trouble that comes our way instead of resisting it. We become transformed by submitting to God's authority and instruction. We have peace that transcends all understanding and we exude the light of Christ.  What a witness this is to a dark world.

Application

I have been applying this principle for several weeks and I can tell you that I am not tormented by condemning thoughts, anxiety, and depression like I used to be.  I am still engaged in spiritual battles, but I am learning how to fight with the weapons God has given me.  Taking up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:15) is more than just believing God, it is praising God and submitting to His will and instruction in the fiery furnace.

Moreover, I am so grateful for those who have prayed for me. Those who have prayed that my pride would be taken away, that my faith would grow, and that I would be refreshed in time with God.  God has answered those prayers in a big way.

Prayer

Sovereign God, You are in control of every detail of my life and of this world.  I am awestruck at Your mighty, yet gentle hand. I am encouraged daily by Your word and by the power of Your Spirit, I am able to meditate on Your precepts. Your steady hand holds me in the fire, allowing the impurities of my heart to rise to the surface so that I can be cleansed. I submit to Your teaching and leadership this day and I pick up my cross to follow You (Luke 9:23). Lead me as You see fit, for I know You are good.