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. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:2-5)

Hmmm...This passage has always given me trouble. The problem is that I don't often face trials. To be honest, I have had a pretty easy life. Sure, I'm just like anyone else in that I have the occasional stresses at work, struggles with money, and difficulty in relationships, but I can only think of a couple of times in my life where I had to throw up my hands and acknowledge that the only way out of this situation is if God rescues me.

Here is my problem with this scripture: I want to be wise. I want to have perseverance. I want to be spiritually mature. I want to be complete. I want God to use me in ministry to help people. But I wonder if my relatively easy life is holding me back from these things?

What do I do? On the one hand, I am greatful for the life God has given me. I give Him ALL the credit for the fact that I have always had my needs and most of my desires met. On the other hand, if I want to be wise, mature, and complete with perseverance; I need to be tested and challenged in my faith. Do I PRAY for trials? Do I PRAY for trouble and hardship? It is a strange concept isn't it?

The only conclusion I can draw from all of this is that my life has been pretty easy and lacked significant trials for one reason: Up until now I have been pretty lazy and insignificant in pursuit of my purpose here earth to lead people to Christ. If we look at the example of Job, the source of our trouble here on earth is Satan. Satan only feels a need to attack those who are advancing the Kingdom of God here on earth. If a person is NOT advancing the Kingdom of God then Satan has no need for causing trouble for that person.

My prayer is NOT to have trouble. My prayer is that I will become passionate about impacting and advancing the Kingdom of God here on earth. If I do that, I am certain that Satan will bring trouble my way. When that happens I will have the opportunity to develop wisdom, perseverance, maturity and completeness in my life. After that there is no telling how God will use me to impact others.

I'm ready to advance the Kingdom of God. I'm ready to impact the world around me. I'm ready to quit being lazy and become passionate about sharing the truth about the Gospel message. I'm ready to become a target of Satan and his attacks. Because of all of this I can consider the trials I will face "pure joy".

Who wants to be a target for trouble with me???