Becoming Mature
Background Story: The book of James was written by the half-brother of Jesus, who was one of the leaders of the Jerusalem church. It is a book of wisdom and practical application showing believers how to live out their faith in Christ. Interestingly, there are Bible historians who believe James was not a believer until after the resurrection of Jesus, which makes verse 1 even more powerful.
Read James 1:1-4
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Big Idea: Times of trials, testing, and temptation are opportunities to mature.
As a child, I was excited to grow up, get older, and mature. And while childhood maturity often comes through age, the road to Christian maturity often comes through trial. It would be wonderful if we could learn the deep truths of God while going through only good times. But I can testify to James’ words, that when I look back at the scope of my life, the times I grew most in my faith was when life was hard. Why is that?
On the hard roads, we discover these simple, yet life-changing truths about God. That He is good, even when life isn’t. And when all else fails, He doesn’t. And that He is enough for every need.
As you get up each day, put your faith boots back on and follow Him, you mature. No longer are you a person who believes because you have been told by others. No- you have experienced God for yourself and the truth you learned becomes your testimony. Maybe that’s why James says to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” If we saw how God would use this trial to transform and use us, we might feel joy as well.
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Dig Deeper: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Psalm 37, Job 19:23-27, Isaiah 40:28-31, Deuteronomy 8:2-4, Psalm 34:8-10, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Similar Devotions: Life’s Not Fair, A Memorial, Running the Race, Blessing or a Curse?, The Waiting Room, Is It True?, I Know, Always Better, I Believe
Devotions4Teens Videos: Where is God in my Trials and Pain?, Becoming More Like Jesus, Our Rock, 3 Tips to Help You Grow Closer to God!, Help Reading Your Bible, Jesus Never Changes, Sneaky Sin
