NOT LACKING ANYTHING
Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.
James 1:9-12
James 1:12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has withstood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
Our Father knows us better than we know ourselves. For those He foreknew, He also called (Romans 8:30, Ephesians 4:1). Everyone who is reading this devotion belongs in His family. He determined that we will withstand every earthly trial. We’re also going to eventually graduate. Instead of receiving a diploma, we’ll receive the crown of life!
But, oh the trials!
When life glides smoothly along, we tend to enjoy living. That’s what Papa wants for us, too. But He loves us too much to let us continue gliding smoothly along. It doesn’t take long to develop bad habits and become proud. Victory often lulls into a false sense of well-being that claims ownership of how we arrived.
But it was NEVER we who landed us into a comfort zone.
Our creator is supreme over all people and things. He’s in charge of the entire universe. And—whether we like it or not—He’s steering our lives.
May we remember that whenever life is gliding smoothly along, it’s like a rest before the next trial. Music is written with rests. Have you noticed that crescendos [kre-SHEN-does], or growing louder, and decrescendos [DAY-kre-shen-does], or quieting down, are set off by rests?
After we emerge victorious after one trial that Jesus walked us through, He doesn’t go on vacation. Neither can you. Be advised to enjoy your rest. Jesus is near, ready to walk you through the next trial. We don’t get to call what comes next or when. The only thing people can count on being true is that there will always be a next trial to overcome.
Take Home Nugget
Pastor James, (see Half-Brothers of Fame devotion), teaches in James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Emphasis mine. (See more of James’ teaching in the lesson linked below).
The only reason that Papa tests us by trials is to mature us into a closer likeness of His perfect Son, Jesus. Jesus’ perfection (righteousness, peace, and joy) is the very definition of the kingdom of God! (Romans 14:17). That’s why God never allows us rest in our comfort zone for long.
God always moves forward; He wants us to move forward with Him to achieve His purpose.
Heavenly Father, Lead us through every trial to Victory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from “Praise God during Trials” by Dr. Tony Evans. April 18, 2018. See “Alternative” at www.LightSource.com
J.D. Griffith
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