KWITCHERBELLYAKIN
(S) Scripture
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 (NASB77)
(O) Observation
James begins his letter by telling the people not to complain but rather to consider their trials as joy. There is a purpose in the testing and trial and that is to produce endurance and that then will leave us lacking in nothing. The Lord leaves nothing to chance, He wants us to be complete and he knows that it will take trials to accomplish that. The strength on an oak tree comes from straining against the wind and forces of nature. It roots grow deeper and its wood strengthens. This does not happen overnight but rather over time. Maturity like this takes time and there are no instant substitutes.
(A) Application
I live in a world of instant gratification. We want what we want when we want it. I am not just talking selfishness here but also we want instant maturity and instant trust in relationships. We want things quick. It reflects the pace of our lives. In our spiritual lives we want patience, right now!! Rather than doing the hard work of study we want the "Cliff Notes" of the Bible. When we have to wait or work we complain or belly ache about it. We do not see God's purpose and so we complain. James says to kwitcherbellyakin and consider it all joy because God is at work in you. The result will be something you will appreciate. We will be complete (mature) and lacking in nothing in our relationship with the Lord. That does not mean we will be perfect but we will have everything we need to continue to trust God in every circumstance and to experience his peace in our lives. Today I will refuse to complain and will count whatever I encounter as JOY because I know that the Lord is at work in me.
(P) Prayer
Lord forgive me when I complain and remind me that you are at work and that you are trustworthy. Amen
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