Born to Die

“Consider it pure joy when you experience trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance {endurance}. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3:4.

Each time I was pregnant, I knew the day would come when I would go through intense pressure and pain to welcome our little one into our family. As I experienced the months leading up to the labor and birth I was at peace with what would occur…in the future. But when that day presented itself, and the hardship and suffering began, it was easy to lose focus on the prize…the completed and healthy birth of our child. I seemed to ‘lack joy’ during the time when I was suffering but upon the birth joy returned. It is only through the pressure of the contractions that our sweet ones are given life.

Our faith can be seen in parallel to this birthing process. Our earthly bodies are pregnant with sin which puts pressure on us to give birth to that sin. ‘Then, after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.’ James 1:15. God desires for us to abort sin and give birth to truth. ‘He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.’ James 1:18.

Through this birthing process are the pressures and trials in life. These painful ‘contractions’ may be long-running seasons but they are producing endurance required for this spiritual birth. Each contraction crushes down on our faith creating the possibility of an emerging and enduring faith. ‘Trials, problems, situation can be joy robbers if we lack the proper attitude. Enduring one trial is not enough. God’s purpose in allowing this process is to develop complete maturity. Considering your troubles to be joy comes from seeing life with God’s perspective in mind…Endurance is faith stretched out; it involves trusting God for a long duration…It is not a passive submission to circumstances – it is a strong and active response to events of life, standing on your feet as you face the storms. It is not simply the attitude of withstanding trials, but the ability to turn them into glory, to overcome them.’ Life Application Commentary, p.1071.

The irony is that we were born to die and we must die to be born! The contractions of life force us to choose ‘To whom will we die and to whom will we live?’ Our choice will be revealed in the manner we live our lives. Jesus taught that we will all bear fruit but not all will be good fruit. The true test of being firstfruits is lived out through both our actions and our responses to trials. ‘By their fruit you will recognize them.’ Matthew 7:16.

Endurance must finish its work to complete God’s work. ‘See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.’ Col. 4:17