Finishing the Work

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

Observation: James makes the same statement that others say in the bible, that the testing of faith through hardship and trials develops perseverance of our faith. He adds this statement, advise that we are to allow perseverance to "finish its work" - to complete the process - so that may be mature and fully advance in the direction God intended. The implication is that if we somehow avoid the "process" of some trail, we will not fully develop the character God sought for us.

Application: We often joke about verse 2 ... even using the phrase "pure joy" as a euphemism for someone or some situation that is a "trial" for us. However, on a serious note, James would have me also understand that my maturity is a process that takes time and must be completed. Seeking a shortcut may result in my failing to get the "full lesson".

This is what I was seeking two months ago - a shortcut. I was upset and scared, and prayed that God would remedy the situation before it became a true hardship, while our budget remained in tact and the family wasn't impacted by an inability to visit each other, participate in Christmas, etc. That didn't happen. We are now tight on finances, living very modestly, unable to see our daughter's participation in one of the top 20 professional ballet's in the country, and officially notifying family not to buy us gifts because we won't be buying anything for anyone. I just saw my friend out grabbing a beer, knowing that I could not join him because I cannot spend six bucks on frivolity. Our lives are harmed and humbled.

James tells me that this is necessary. It is by this pain that my perseverance is completed. This is the finishing of the work. I HAVE now been both humbled and tested. I embrace a lower perspective of myself. I continue to praise and worship God daily, thanking him for daily blessings.

I do so hope and pray that we have reached the end of this trial. My family is physically hurting and forever impacted, and we certainly need to be on the other side of this. But I do get the lesson of James, and know I am a stronger man of faith today than I was six months ago. I believe I am permanently on a different level of maturity in my faith, and it is a change I embrace with thanksgiving to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, again I pray tonight for your remedy and redemption for my family. Please deliver us from our hardships, and put me in the place of your choosing. That said, I thank you for how I have learned about your love, faithfulness, spirit, nature, and voice. I am your servant, and praise you in this storm of life. Amen.