Growing through Life’s Tests

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

James writes: ‘Be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given you…But when you ask…you must have faith…Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all’ (vv. 2-8). Note three things in this Scripture: 1) Your faith grows when it’s tested. You’ll never know the strength of your anchor until you feel the blast of the storm. 2) God will give you wisdom to handle the test. Now, He won’t answer all your ‘whys’. So instead of questioning Him, you need to pray, ‘Lord, how do You want to use this trial to develop me spiritually? How can I co-operate with You to reap the maximum benefit? What changes do You desire to bring about in my life?’ Those are questions God will answer. 3) You must be willing to obey. It’s possible to ask God for wisdom, then debate, stall, or mess around trying to decide whether or not to obey Him. If you’re that kind of person…don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all. When God gives you His wisdom, your first response should be: ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’ (1 Samuel 3:10).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, when you show me wisdom in Your Word and I do not use it, forgive me and help me to change and heed Your loving guidance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen