by Naomi Moon

Faith Produces Steadfastness

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Count it all 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 1:2-4 English Standard Version

There are times when it is better to laugh than get mad, like when your son spills tiny cocoa nibs all over the floor, or maybe covers his brother in peanut butter, or pulls all of the toilet paper off of the roll. These are frivolous examples of trials as talked about in the verse from James, but it can impact a family dynamic significantly. I have been wrestling lately with my reactions to things. When a small mistake causes a big, angry reaction out of me, there is something askew. 

James talks about trials that produce steadfastness. Instead of thinking of myself as a steadfast pillar that cannot be swayed, I picture myself more as a child clinging to the steadfast leg of their father. I will cling to the steadfast leg of my Lord, with whom I lack nothing. If I were to rely on my own ability to face trials with a pure heart, or parent my children without an over dramatic reaction, then I would continually see my lack of strength. Christ is steadfast in his love for us, and thankfully forgives us when we sin. These sins might be either a small way like spilling cocoa nibs, or a large way where we feel we cannot face him again. Through his death and resurrection on the cross, we have strength to face the trials of our world. Christ gives us the power to face various trials and come away from them with steadfastness. In him, we are complete.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado