James 1:2-4

I wish I'd read James earlier, because the premise of these verses is something I think about constantly. Somewhere between church services, things I've come across online, and Scripture itself, I've picked up this notion. God can see what you look like at your fullest potential, the version of you that has fully submitted to his will, followed Christ, and let the Spirit dwelling in you bear fruit. A version that actually bears the character of Christ. The strongest, most complete version of who you were made to be in his name. There's comfort in knowing that version of me exists, and James lays out the groundwork for how it's reached. What strikes me most about this passage is that it forces you to look at your situation from the outside in, to step back and see what actually needs to happen. I'm pretty bad at that. I get caught up in the trial itself and go looking for the fastest way out. Those quick exits don't build endurance or perseverance, they just numb the pain. And if the same thing comes around again, I have no strength for it, because I never endured it correctly the first time. I leaned on myself. I trusted my own ways out instead of his, instead of enduring what he'd laid in front of me. But he wants what's best for me, for us. So whatever trials he gives, if we choose to endure them in his name, will ultimately make us better. What comes out of that perseverance could even be the answer to a prayer or two.