Well-Developed
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¬Ý ’ÄúConsider 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.’Äù¬Ý James 1:2-4 (The Message)
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When this passage is spoken of usually the last verse is left out, but the end holds the most vital piece of information and it’Äôs the most difficult to execute.¬Ý We become impatient and butt into what God’Äôs trying to accomplish.¬Ý We try forcing an end to the difficulty and in doing so the final outcome will be incomplete or ruined.¬Ý Employ the wisdom of James 1:4, ’ÄúSo 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.’Äù¬Ý¬Ý I don’Äôt want life to be deficient; I want the lessons to bring maturity and vitality to my life.¬Ý For many years I didn't like this passage, but by the Lord’Äôs leading I’Äôve come to better understand the profound truth in James and I now understand that if we profess Christ as Lord and continue to live complaining and grumbling because life's difficult and things aren't comfortable then we don't really understand God’Äô purpose at all.¬Ý Because of sin life can never be perfect, there will be struggle, children will rebel, our spouse will hurt us, we’Äôll hurt others, and death will always be present.¬Ý God never promised a life free of struggle, but He’Äôs promised He'll always be with us and no matter what our circumstance He is our hope.
Be patient.¬Ý Let God work. The result will be worth it.
Past Lighthouse Living Entries:
November 28, 2012 Well Developed
November 21, 2012 Sincerely Thankful
November 14, 2012 Surrendering the Pieces for Peace
November 7, 2012 Sailing Master
October 17, 2012 Who Am I? Really??
October 10, 2012 Vote For Morality
October 3, 2012 Mercy, Who Me?
September 12, 2012 Basket Case
September 5, 2012 Christ-Like Boldness
August 29, 2012 Overcome & Fortify
August 22, 2012 Love Pure and Holy
June 27, 2012 Deceptive Packaging
June 20, 2012 Assurance NOT Insurance
June 13, 2012 Unexpected Blessing
May 30, 2012 Packing Your Bags
May 16, 2012 Our Being - In Him
May 9, 2012 Know His Annointing
April 18, 2012 This Day's Needs
February 29, 2012 Something New
February 22, 2012 Something New
February 15, 2012 Something New
February 8, 2012 Something New
February 1, 2012 Something New
January 25, 2012 A Perfect World
December 21, 2011 Create Impact
December 14, 2011 Unspeakable Love
December 7, 2011 That's A Wrap
November 30, 2011 Give Gift of HOPE
November 23, 2011 Foot Washing
November 16, 2011 Anti-Depression
November 2, 2011 Investment Portfolio
October 19, 2011 Take A Closer Look
October 12, 2011 A Deliberate God
September 21, 2011 Learning To Lean
September 7, 2011 Drink More Water
August 17, 2011 Stones of Provision
August 10, 2011 Chasing Rainbows
August 3, 2011 Great Expectations
June 29, 2011 One Nation Under God
June 22, 2011 Are You Listening?
June 15, 2011 You've Got Talent
April 27, 2011 Be Careful Little Mouth
April 20, 2011 Nothing To Save
March 23, 2011 Make Your Stand
March 9, 2011 Under Construction
Feb. 23, 2011 Use It OR Lose It
Feb. 16, 2011 What's On The Menu
Feb. 9, 2011 Meek Isn't Milk Toast
Feb. 2, 2011 Joy Comes In The Mourning
Jan. 5, 2011 Peacemakers VS Piece-makers
Dec. 8, 2010 Star Light, Star Bright
Oct. 27, 2010 Intended Purpose
Oct. 13, 2010 Today Is The Day
Sept. 22, 2010 Undiscovered Treasures
August 11, 2010 Spiritual Eyes
August 4, 2010 Heart of Worship
June 30, 2010 Structurally Sound
May 12, 2010 A Supporting Cast
February 24, 2010 Face To Face
February 17, 2010 Drifting With Purpose
January 27, 2010 Perfected In Obedience
January 20, 2010 Building Plan
December 16, 2009 Say It Loud And Proud
December 2, 2009 On Or Through
November 25, 2009 A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
November 18, 2009 The Veil Was Torn
October 28, 2009 Sing A New Song
October 21, 2009 A Time of Change
October 14, 2009 WDJD, not WWJD
October 7, 2009 Follow The Signs
September 30, 2009 Walk The Word
September 23, 2009 Are You Resting?
September 16, 2009 Not A Nothing
September 2, 2009 A Cracked Pot
August 12, 2009 Disappointment
July 22, 2009 What's In Your Wagon?
July 8, 2009 Let There Be Light
June 24, 2009 Feast During Famine