Complete and Lacking Nothing

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 

James 1:12 “blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised for those who love him.”

You may have read these verses before. There are countless times in the bible that we are told to rejoice in our suffering. Think of Paul and his letter to the Philippians. Imprisoned and badly beaten, he changed his perspective about his situation and greatly rejoiced to God for the circumstances he was in, and how he was able to preach to the Roman guards. 

I love this verse in James because it provides a little more information and goes beyond simply being joyous in trials. 

“For the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” 

What does steadfastness mean in this situation? It means firm and unwavering. It means with a strong foundation. 

When we experience trials, and we always will until the day of Christ, the testing of our faith produces a faith in Jesus that is firm and unwavering. When we consistently lean into him in the hard times and He graciously supports us and guides us through our trial, it creates a confidence in Him. It develops and deepens our trust in Him. Why should we worry? We have a God that repeatedly picks us up when we are down. 

We are always going to have trials. When we do, our faith becomes stronger, it becomes steadfast. Then we see that this steadfast faith will make us “complete, lacking nothing.” 

When we have faith in God that is built on a firm foundation and cannot be shaken despite our circumstances, we are told this is all we need. We are made complete in Christ not when we get the next promotion, or when we buy a big house, or when we accomplish a physical feat. We are complete and lacking nothing, when we have faith so strong in Christ that we can move mountains. 

We are told further on in James chapter 1 verse 12 that “when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.” 

What a great promise we get to receive! 

Trials will come our way. When they do, lean in closer to God. He will show us that we can trust Him and our faith will be made stronger. And this faith in Christ will make us complete and allow us a place in heaven with Jesus. 

Be steadfast. Don’t let your faith be shaken because you experience some hardship. God is still good. 

As Forrest Frank says, “God is good, all the time, if he aint, then you lyin.” 

In the highs and the lows, we find Jesus. He is everywhere with us. He will not leave us. 

“Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there” Psalm 139:7-8

Jesus, today I thank you for every time that you have been there to carry me through my hardships. Sometimes it is difficult for me to remain joyous in the trials, and for that, Lord I ask that you transform my heart. I want to trust you more deeply and have faith this cannot be shaken. Thank you for never leaving me and for repeatedly showing me that I can rely on you. I love you Lord. Amen.