Devotions

Perfect and Complete :: Deeper Devotion

Perfect and Complete

July 13, 2008
Comments: [3]

By Kristie Ansley

James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I’m three weeks into my attempt at a second bachelor’s degree. I graduated in 2001 with a degree in Biology and have decided to go back to school to become a nurse (through an accelerated program for people already holding a degree). I always enjoyed learning while I was in college, but I must admit that I have not done anything academically since then and as you can imagine, this has been a rude awakening.

I have an endless list of reading assignments and, even though I’m only a few weeks into it, I already feel like I’m drowning. In addition, I have that lurking feeling that all of my classmates are on top of things and keeping up with this intense program while I lag more and more behind each day.

And then I come to this passage… “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” At this point in my life, there is no feeling I want more. To have the peace of knowing that I can be perfect and complete, not by finishing all of my reading assignments or by understanding all of the intricacies of the human body, but by undergoing these trials and gaining endurance. I will be lacking in nothing, despite my failings in school, in my friendships, in my relationships if I just faithfully undergo the trials the Lord brings me. What peace! I claim these trials in the name of Christ and ask that He produce in me all necessary endurance.

Lord, grant me peace as I pursue your will for today and this year, despite what trial I face.


Related Posts:

3 Responses to “Perfect and Complete”

  1. crossedout_mel Says:
    September 9th, 2004 at 2:34 pm

    Wow, you can't begin to believe how much I needed that at this exact moment. Thank you so much for writing these words. I feel like I'm struggling in my college classes right now. I have a huge test in a little bit that I'm not completely prepared for, but in the larger scale of my life, it doesn't really matter. My serving God and making my preparation for Him are the things that matter most. I can only imagine how much better my life would be if I spent the same amount of time studying the Bible and memorizing it that I spend on my classes. Something for me to definately work on that's for sure !

    Love in Christ,
    ~*Melody*~

  2. Anonymous Says:
    September 12th, 2004 at 9:38 pm

    Melody,
    Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone. I think there are probably a lot of students out there feeling the same way we are, but it is nice to hear a sympathetic voice. As I pray for God's grace (and speed) through all of this reading and studying, I will keep you in my prayers. I'll pray for your studies, but mostly for peace as you go through this time of testing.
    Thanks,
    Kristie

  3. Preferably Anonymous Says:
    July 15th, 2008 at 1:19 am

    Hi there DeeperDevotion.

    It’s always good to know that i’m not alone in this. I am going through several problems these days, and its awesome that authors like you always post great articles that really refreshes my mind and soul.

    PS: I’ve been updating myself with the devotions everyday since November. You guys are great :).

    from,
    DeeperDevotion fan :D.

Comments Feed

Leave a Reply



Articles

I Ate My Love Letter (When Crushes Crush You)

April 11, 2008
Comments: [7]

It's so easy to crush. But is it right? Jeremy Smith shares about his high school crush and what he's learned.

underoath

From the Archives

Discovering You

“What's next God?” Kristie Ansley shares her experience in finding what you've been created to do.

Read all previous Articles.

Articles RSS Feed

Recent Comments

Trial Marriages?
Aug 31, 2008 @ 06:01 am
6 Comments

What if I am Being Abused?
Aug 31, 2008 @ 11:34 am
8 Comments

Being Honest with Others
Aug 31, 2008 @ 09:59 pm
5 Comments

What’s Your Excuse?
Aug 31, 2008 @ 01:32 pm
3 Comments

What Does the Bible Say About Sex?
Aug 31, 2008 @ 06:57 am
42 Comments