"It's On the Inside That Matters"

There are three things that are a must within our being in order to gain strength from the power of God whenever we are in difficulties. James 1:2-4 addresses them. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

(1) "Consider". If you won a sweepstakes, how would you consider yourself within? When good things happen to us and go our way, how do you react inwardly? When we face various trials, something on the inside of us starts happening immediately. We start "considering". We "consider" it to be helpful or depressing! When people go through difficulties, many take a "poor me" attitude within. They "consider" all bad happening and feel for themselves. What is the spiritual value in that? They get an outpouring of sympathy and attention from people, but they never gain any strength or power from the Lord! Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Do you want to be faithful? Do want to grow into a more complete, mature child of God? Where do we have to focus and with what attitude? Jesus had the joy set before Him and that's where He set His heart and focus. He knew that good was coming despite what He suffered. Where do we look and place our faith? Your response determines the direction things go in your life as far as the Lord is concerned.

(2) "Knowing" . Not only "consider" but we should "know" certain things that are going on. If we are not walking with God with a whole heart, there is no help or discussion from the Lord about "testing your faith." Too many times people question God or why certain things happen. It results in self pity. They do not "know" that anything is happening from the Lord. A faithful child of God should "know" that the testing of their faith produces endurance, the very help we need from the Lord. It is endurance that makes us stronger if we "know". If all one "knows" is depression and hurt, they receive no help or strength from the Lord.

(3) "Let". You must allow and permit all of this to happen. Remember the old saying, "Let a sleeping dog lie."? The advice is leave it alone, letting it be and not aggravating the situation. Some people just will not "let". They can't "let" things go or "let" things take them where God wants. They hold to things and it destroys their faith. Endurance is how God helps people mature if we will "let" it work. It will make you whole and complete, allowing you to grow. Many never "let" but try to control outcomes and situations. The result is anxiety in the heart and a miserable day! The word "let" is a small English word but a powerful word in the Greek. It's up to you if you will allow it or not. God will respond or not respond depending on your "let".

These three things are a must within if we are to gain spiritually. I have found many times people who claim God as their God never believe He is actively working and it comes to the surface when we face difficulties and trials. There are things that are deteriorating us spiritually and many never see it. Remember, if you face a difficulty these three elements must take place within our beings. True, genuine Christianity is about what is happening on the inside of us!