James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

No believer ever enters their Christian walk with Christ having the intention of remaining a ‘babe’ forever. Physical growth is a process we go through naturally, usually involving some “growing pains” along the way but pretty much happens automatically as we age. Growing our minds involves a process of learning that can require study and rigorous work over a period of many years. To grow spiritually, we must first learn to trust him more. As trust grows, so does our faith. As faith grows, we believe more without having a need to be shown. A mature believer is not one who has been walking the walk for a certain number of years. Nor is it one who has studied and studied and can quote scripture after scripture from memory. The mark of a mature Christian is one whose faith in God surpasses the need for understanding or explanation. God leads us into circumstances which will require we trust in him to a greater and greater extent. As we develop a persistence, a tenacity to push through to what lies on the other side, we are rewarded with a faith that can find us unshaken in the storm. What confidence…what joy!

Pray: “Heavenly Father, I know that no matter how mature I believe myself to be, there is always room for me to grow. Develop in me a doggedness, a determination to face whatever may come and not be deterred on my way to reaching my fullest potential in you. Allow the trials in my life to complete the work you have begun in me. And to you and your holy name be all glory and honor. In Jesus’ blessed name I pray – Amen.”