Have you ever felt as though something was missing? Have you felt like you were lacking something, something important? Have you persevered through the trial to gain what you were lacking? Did you ask God to provide what you were lacking?
We may feel as though we are lacking. But many times, that feeling is more about things we want rather than what we need. Our desire for more seems to be insatiable. Yet do we ever lack what we really need? Yes! Many people in this world lack a true relationship with God.
When we commit to Jesus, accepting Him as Lord and Savior, we do not lack what we need. We gain strength, courage, love, joy, hope, and an eternal life spent with Him. Of course, that doesn’t mean we won’t experience trying times in this life. But we will be given the strength we need to persevere. We will receive the courage we need to continue. We will experience the joy of Christ being with us. We will have a hope that cannot be taken from us.
James tells us to persevere so that we do not lack anything. He goes on to say we are to ask for wisdom, if we lack it, and God will give it to us. This does not just apply to wisdom. If we lack anything we need, God will provide it. He may not provide it in the way we expect it. He may not provide it within the timeframe we desire. But God will provide.
Notice that James states we must believe. We must not doubt. We must keep our faith. If we do, God provides. This is holding on to the promises of God. It is not merely believing but having faith that trusts God with everything. Our faith is strengthened every time we trust him.
I pray we all persevere through the tough times. I pray we trust God will provide for our needs. I pray each of us will ask God when we are in need and hold on to our faith in his promises. Persevere. Put your faith in God. Trust his promises. Experience joy. Be strengthened by God. Hold on to your hope.
James 1:4-7 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Marty Pressey 