James 1:1-4 Responding to Trials (part 6)

James 1:1-4 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. [2] Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Yesterday morning as I was praying for several from our church family who are going through difficult times, I believe the Lord gave me this insight. The Lord is planning to use LVCC to do some incredible things for His glory. He is using our present circumstances to build perseverance in us individually and corporately. The Lord is bringing our corporate body to maturity. He wants us to grow up and reproduce! As I have said before, there are no shortcuts to maturity. Maturity is developed as we struggle through trials with God's help.

In addition to character and maturity, God is seeking to establish and strengthen our faith. It will take great faith to do the things God is preparing for us. Think about what is ahead. We are on the verge of forming two different partnerships to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Folks, this will take perseverance, maturity and faith!

I believe God has more planned for LVCC. He intends to use us to impact the Fox Valley in some unique ways. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us. It will not be easy but it will be worth it! Again, we will need perseverance, maturity and faith.

We have some decisions to make. Will we learn and grow as a corporate body from our present trials? Will we let them make us better or will we cave into bitterness and miss the opportunities that lie ahead? God is looking for a people who will love and trust Him whether times are good or bad. It's easy to love God and follow Him when things are good. Only the faithful hang in there when times are really tough! Let endurance have it's perfect work so that LVCC will be mature and complete, lacking nothing. We want to be ready for the Master's use!