Wow...a Perfect Gift!

Hi world. Rob here.

Through a series of very gentle trials this summer, God ministered to me with some insights from James 1. I thought I'd share them with you...

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing....Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1:2-4, 12-18)

Our oldest daughter, Danika, (who is now 14!!!) is an amazing ballerina. However, when she first began studying at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School, she would often come home complaining that the teacher had "picked on" her too much that day. From her perspective, her teacher was pouring out contempt on her. From our perspective, we could see that her teacher was singling Danika out because she wanted to develop her skills as a dancer. In a class of over a dozen little girls, it is actually an honor to have the teacher pay attention to you in that way (although it hardly feels like it to the litle girl who is object of the attention).

Trials are very similar...they are about God paying attention to us. The Lord of the universe, in his sovereignty, designs trials just for me...just for you! THAT is why we are commanded to "count it all joy." We're getting an overhaul from God! Notice the last part of the passage above:

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:16-17)

That is within the context of TRIALS - differentiating "temptation" (not from God) from "Trials" (the good and perfect gift from the Father of Lights). We Americans, who live lives that demonstrate our belief that God wants us to be comfortable above all, ALWAYS take that passage out of context. We believe that our homes, our cars, our paychecks, our comfort are the good and perfect gifts...NO it's our TRIALS that mature us into the image of our Savior. The other stuff just lures us into self-sufficiency and self righteousness.

Dear merciful Father of Lights, who are we that you should even be mindful of us? Please grant us Joy as you pay attention to us!