In my recent post "3 Paths to Forever" I made the comment that "the more often I read through The Bible the more things I find that I've never noticed before. And I often wonder if God intentionally does that to me?"
Pondering that thought I remembered what Luke wrote about one of Christ's last actions on behalf of the disciples just before his ascension.
"Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45 ESV)
Parking my thoughts there for a few days I realized Jesus never promised His disciples and followers a "good time". He never said the road home would be easy or that He would fulfill our earthly dreams and wishes. He never said we would have all we want . . . rather that He would provide and be all we need. In a strange way, and admittedly slightly skewed perspective, I don't even believe that Christ will solve all the problems that we, and our sinfulness, create for ourselves. But rather that He, Christ, should be such a precious pursuit in our lives that regardless of what befalls us nothing should shadow His luster and brilliance. Our quest for the mercy of the Cross should trivialize all that the world considers problematic.
I'm convinced that sometimes we're just meant to suffer . . . and with great purpose . . . to get our attention. Our life's trials actually have a singular purpose . . . and a single solution. They are meant to focus our hearts, minds, and souls on Jesus.
James says this: "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 ESV)
"Lacking in nothing" isn't the promise of a 50 inch plasma television. It's not the cure all for our physical maladies. And it's not the promise of a fantastic education or terrific career. So what is "it", the "full effect", that makes us "perfect and complete" as James says?
I think James answers the "it" question in verse 5 . . . . "it" is Wisdom . . . the knowledge of God and Christ. "It" is that holy and higher wisdom that allows us to see past the troublesome headlines of the day. "It" is the understanding that Christ gave to the disciples as He "opened their minds".
Paul talks about "it" too. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)
There are a whole lot of messages in and about "it". Wisdom can be one of those "careful what you wish for" things in life. As James states wisdom is the product of trials, testing, and steadfastness. "It" is also the gift of earnest prayer and the result of our study of the scriptures and our pursuit of Christ and the depths of the cross . . . all this enabled by Him opening our minds to absorb His rich truths.
Patience. Prayer. Pursuit.
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