James 1:16-18

        When as believers we find ourselves in difficult circumstances (i.e., trials, v.2) and are tempted to turn from God to trust in anything or anyone other than Him, James warns us to beware. Why? Because, child of God, the Father of Lights, your Father, the God “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” will always and forever do only good for you (Luke 11:11-13).

        Our God provides only “good” and “perfect” gifts for His children. By His grace, He has already “brought us forth” by His word. The truth of the gospel has already brought us to redemption and salvation in Christ. Now, everything God provides for us, even those things that cause suffering are actually gifts to lead us to rely more on Him and His grace, which is good. We can trust that every circumstance we face is being used by our Father to help us learn to keep our focus on Him and the reality of His kingdom, and not on the passing things of this life.

        Don’t allow the “bad thing” hanging over you right now to drive you away from God. If you are currently discouraged by something in your life, and that is keeping you bound in the sin of distrust, you are “deceived.” Remind yourself that God only gives “good” gifts. When I choose to believe my blessings as well as my sufferings are gifts from my heavenly Father to lead me to greater trust in Him, I am sure to experience more of His presence and grace. These are the truly “good” and “perfect” gifts my God desires for me to enjoy.

         As I rest in God’s plans and His goodness toward me, I become the “firstfruits” among His creatures. My life testifies that I am one of the privileged ones who will share in the riches of a new creation someday. Jesus was the firstfruit. He was the first righteous One, the firstborn from the dead, the firstborn over the kingdom to come. But, as His children, we get to share in Jesus’ “firstfruits” and enjoy the blessings of eternal life with praise now and forever for His goodness to us!

        One of the great temptations for believers is to begin to believe we deserve God’s goodness. To believe that my blessings in life are due to my faithfulness or goodness leads to a self-satisfaction that is not grateful for God’s grace. Believing I deserve something more from God can cause me to doubt His will for my life, especially when this may be causing hardship for me. This can quickly lead to believing God is not giving me good gifts, but is indifferent toward me; or even that maybe He does not exist at all. To us who believe, James says “do not be deceived.” A flimsy faith thankful only for “blessings” and gifts of this life may cause me to reject His best gift…eternal life.

 

        Have you ever been tempted to doubt God’s motives and goodness in your circumstances? Trust today that God will only give you good gifts. Choose to believe the difficulties you experience are not evidence of God’s belligerence toward you, but His best for you!