“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith work[s] patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4
Why is it that when I get serious about serving God, when I move to a higher level of praise and worship, when I begin to witness and tell others about what He’s done for me, suddenly my life turns upside down? Shouldn’t I be rewarded for my devotion? Won’t these messes in my life be a bad testimony for God?
Actually, these messes are my reward for my commitment to Him. You know how when you clean out your closets and drawers, you make a bigger mess at first? There are piles everywhere – some to give away, some to throw away, and some to keep. You separate the winter clothes from the summer clothes – the often-used from the hardly-used, getting rid of the never-used. While everything is scattered out, you wipe all the dust off the shelves and vacuum out the corners. Then gradually you put your things back neatly and in order and it feels so good.
I know that closet metaphors can seem vague so here’s my real scenario. It starts with a little financial trouble. Then I get in a bad mood because I can’t have or do everything I’m used to having and doing. Next, my relationships begin to suffer because I’m being so gloomy. Then I don’t feel worthy of telling others how good God is. After all, how can I encourage others when I’m sad and broke? Before you know it, I don’t have the victory. And if I stopped right there, Satan would be tickled pink since I unknowingly teamed up with that father of lies to guarantee my ineffectiveness. I can’t believe I almost fell for that (again)!
The verse above tells me exactly what’s happening – I am being perfected! I’m learning that I do not have to trust in man or money, but in God. I’m learning that I can be happy, joyful even, in spite of difficult circumstances. When I come out on the other side of my temporary troubles, I’ll have another victory under my belt. The only way my messy closet can be a bad testimony is if I leave it like that!
Are you serving God like never before but life seems to be knocking you around? Try to look at the bigger picture. What have you been depending on besides God? What bad habits have you developed over the years? Do you have a recurring problem with moodiness or bad attitudes? The list of possible issues is endless. Examine yourself. While you’re getting these flaws straightened out, be happy on purpose in spite of the situation. Maybe you’re in a mess right now but God might be helping you clean out your closet.
