Devotional: James 1:2-4
Posted by David Ketter on September 15, 2002
James states that perseverance is the product of faith being tested with many trials. While nobody likes being challenged on their faith, James says to “Consider it pure joy”. He says this because perseverance makes a soul “mature and complete”.
This is the necessary food that will help you grow spiritually. It can change you from a spiritual baby to a spiritual soldier, that does “not lack anything”. But in order for it to this, you must face trials and when you do, you must have faith in God, for only faith can produce perseverance. What is faith then? Faith is trusting in God without doubt and believing that whatever trials you face, God will always be there to bring you through. This does not mean that you can sit down and float through the trial however. In order to overcome a trial, one must act in the defense of one’s faith. And in order to defend your faith, one must be armed with the Armor of God that is listed in Ephesians 6:10-18. Whenever you face a trial, use Ephesians 6:10-18 as a checklist to make sure you have all of your gear (truth, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and righteousness). When you are armed, go out there and face your trial. When you have overcome every obstacle, you have persevered. This is one more step to becoming “mature and complete, not lacking anything”. REJOICE when you persevere. Don’t take trials as the world does. Be joyful at the chance to prove that God is the Almighty, the All-Knowing, and the Faithful. I challenge you to apply perseverance to your life and grow spiritually as you do. Be saturated in the Word of God. “Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18). If you want to apply perseverance to your life, pray and ask God to help you. God is good, and will “meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:19).
Ernest Oliphants said
I am blessed by this devotion. We do face trials of many kinds as Christians and also our loved ones are attacked from all angles by the devil. This devotion really challenges me to take up my full armor and fight the devil. For now i know that at the end of everything, i will be mature , complete and lacking nothing.
I thank my Lord Jesus for making me come across this site today. Amen.
Shannon said
This is a great message and i thank you God i found it on this day….
be well all!
miriam said
This is great!I have been encouraged & moved by the message.We need to put on the armor of God so that we can defeat the devil.
Be blessed!!
rey said
I will use this for our devotional tomorrow. Great message. Thanks!