Fun fact as we kick off reading the book of James. James was a 1/2 brother of Jesus. He didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah. After we read Acts and Galatians we watch the transformation of James truly believing Jesus was the Son of God!
What I like about today's chapter as I read it was how practical and direct it is. I read it in multiple translations, but the NLT, the Message and the Amplified were my my most favorite. It was hard to just pick one thing to dig into today. I love the interaction happening with in The Well Community Facebook page. Feel free to join us when you are ready for the accountability and fellowship with women hungry for more of Jesus! I learn so much from what they are learning beyond my own personal revelation.
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
James 1:2-4 MSG
As I first read through James today, several things stood out to me. I went back and reread it in different translations because verse 4 continued to stir in me. I know we never graduate from this life in Christ, but I do find It to be an ever changing and ever evolving opportunity to grow with Christ. I was drawn to the phrase “lacking nothing”. The perfect work that the testing of our faith, trials and endurance produces.
My human tendency is to always look at how I can get an A in whatever it is I’m doing in life. This process isn’t about passing or failing but truly living in a way that “lacks nothing” and Is fully content no matter what life looks like. It’s not a state of being based on outward circumstances but an inward maturity if you will.
How do you look at trials? Tests? Struggle? Do you see the benefit of it or do you try to escape it at all costs?
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