"Produces perseverance..."

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Amen.  The book of James is one of my favorite books in the Bible (not saying that ALL the books of the Bible aren't great..).  The verses posted above have definitely resonated in my heart this week, as I've been battling some sort of sickness for the past 4+ days, causing me to miss work, get a shot of antibiotics in my gluteus maximus, painfully swallow Amoxicillin, but being taken care of by my amazing wife...what a blessing she is!  Sickness in combination with financial aid difficulties with school and a few other small issues could have given me the 1-2 punch combo to knock me flat on my spiritual back.  However, not by my own strength, but by the glory of God and the indwelling Holy Spirit, I didn't let these issues affect my relationship with God (also thanks to everyone who has been praying for me this week...you are awesome!)  In fact, it drew me even closer to Him.  You might be wondering, "What in the world is up with this guy?"...and I'll say refer back to the verses posted above.  

It's so easy to let trials and difficulties get the best of us, causing us to lose contact and even distance us from our Almighty Lord....whom we should be calling upon and crying out to during these times. Sadly, I don't  always recall these verses during trials and issues; sometimes my flesh likes to take control and think that I can handle it all on my own....but the reality is, I can't.  Not without God.

"But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."  James 1:6-8 (NIV)

Whomever my come across this blog and are now reading this post, let these verses encourage you.  Seek the Lord, cry unto God during your trials and praise Him during times of blessing!  

"Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."  James 5: 10-11 (NIV)