Devotional for October 27-November 2, 2008

                                     By Minister Mamie Pack

A Different Kind of Fertilizer

“2) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1: 2-4 NIV

At the tender age of 16, I came home one day from school and ran straight to my mother’s arms.  I had been dealt a challenging situation at school and the outcome really hurt.  At that moment, I was not trying to be independent or handle anything on my own.  I wanted my momma.  There in her arms, I cried and cried before finally asking her, “Why did growing up have to hurt so much?”  Even then, I didn’t really understand what people meant when they said growing pains, but I was beginning to have an idea.

Growing up is not always a pleasant task.  Just ask any teenager going through puberty, better yet, ask any parent with a teenager.  There are times of pain, frustration, disappointment, and so much more just as there are times of rejoicing, laughter, and happiness.  Yet, growing up does not end with the teenage years or with puberty; it is a constant evolvement of who we are in Christ.  It is how we choose to respond to the moments we encounter as a result of growing up that can make all the difference. 

This is one of the reasons I do enjoy reading the book of James.  James gets right to the point in a practical no nonsense kind of way.  Immediately beginning his epistle, he gives the believer a command—“Consider it joy”.  James already understood that we would face challenges, temptations, or testings, but even in the face of them, we are to consider it joy.  Considering the testing joy does not mean that we may not feel some initial anger, hurt or pain.  It does mean that we quickly realize that no matter the situation, the positive work of Christ will still be the outcome.  Our joy comes not in the trial but the faith we have in Christ in knowing that the trial will reap joyful fruit. 

Having joy in the midst of any situation requires us to have a future first mindset.  This means that we are focused on where God is taking us and not on the situation itself.  Sure, the children may seem like they are not listening. It may seem that every time you and your husband talk it results in a disagreement.  Yes, I am sure it seems as if things are not happening just quite right. But we can be encouraged, if we keep our mind focused on Christ and not the situation.  If we do, then our faith will grow.  From our faith, our perseverance, or patience, will also grow.  The trials are simply the fertilizer to help us grow so that we will be mature and complete in Christ. 

Prayer.

Lord, I know that often times I resent being faced with different challenges and trials.  At times, I am angry and fight the very process you are helping to bring me through.  Forgive me for interfering in places and times when I just need to be still while you work.  Forgive me for not having the faith to trust that you are working all things to my good.  Thank you that even though I may not always understand why or how things are happening, You are still in control.  You know exactly what I need when I need it.  Help me to stop fighting the process and keep my mind focused on you.  Thank you that you have given me joy at all times.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Weekly Reading

Monday           James 1: 2-4

Tuesday           Acts 5: 41

Wednesday      Romans 5: 3-5

Thursday          Luke 21: 19-20

Friday              1 Peter 1: 6-7

Saturday           James 1: 12

Sunday Matthew 5: 12

Application

The next time you are faced with a challenge, be reminded to keep your mind focused on Christ and that it is just helping you grow. 

About the author:

As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord.  It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ.  Click here for other writings available at the author's blog  www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com 

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