But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be people perfectly and fully developed with no defects, lacking in nothing. James 1:4 Amp
Five weeks ago I had foot surgery and both my lower leg and foot have been in a cast. Every two weeks I’ve been put in a new cast and have made use of my color options. The first cast was purple then I chose neon pink, and now I’m sporting bright red. I had every intention of making this an adventure in which I’d put on a happy face and endure the recovery process. However, the truth is I’ve grown weary. I’m weary of lugging around the extra weight of the cast. I’m face daily reminders of my limitations. Then there’s the pain that keeps me up at night and makes most days seem longer. My husband is weary too. He’s ready for me to get back in the kitchen. I must confess, I’m ready to push the done button!
Sometimes this same attitude carries over in our walk with God. In times of trial we become weary and worn out and we want desperately to push the done button. Maybe it’s a difficult marriage and you’ve been ready to call it quits. Perhaps you’re raising a child with a mental or physical disability and you’re spent emotionally and physically. You might be enduring a chronic illness in which medication has brought little relief. What about the job that weighs you down spiritually? It’s in these times we’re tempted to exercise our ability to choose and we choose to say, “I’m done”. But what will we miss if we push the done button?
God has a wonderful word for us in those times when we’re tempted to over-rule our circumstances and override what God know’s is truly needful. James 1:4 tells us that our need to endure and be patient under trials is meant to fully develop us. The word develop means “to unfold gradually, to bring into activity or reality”. What does God want to bring into reality in our lives? The life of His Son!
Ladies, I hardly consider what I’m having to endure as anything remotely close to suffering. But it has exposed certain truths that I must own up to. I’m quick to step around what God knows is necessary to develop the image of His Son in me. I’m all too willing to be done with hinderances, annoyances, and discomfort and take the “drive thru” version of spiritual growth. Yet, each time I choose to stop short of God’s work in me I become a hinderance to myself, and the glory of my Savior.
Isn’t it true that when you dig beneath the surface of the soil, you discover what’s really there? Prayers, songs and powerful messages are essential spiritual tutors but they can never achieve what only the trial of our faith is meant to accomplish. Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Women of God let’s focus on what God is doing in us, not to us. Then we can be assured that in our trials God is doing something–something that will shape us for eternity.