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"Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance
[leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 
And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and
completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” (Amp)
James 1:3-4

What happens when a parent gives a child everything he asks for, when he wants it, how he wants it, and even how much he wants and more? The child does not have to work for it, simply ask and the parent is right there. Have you ever observed what happens when that child does not get what he wants? That child has a temper tantrum.

A meltdown or hissy fit, an emotional outburst, usually associated with ‘children' or those in emotional distress, that is typically characterized by stubbornness, crying, screaming, defiance, anger ranting, a resistance to attempts at pacification and, in some cases, hitting.

We smile and say awwhh that child is just spoiled. Often being spoiled is equated with being privileged. The dictionary defines spoil as to harm the character of (a child) by being too lenient or indulgent - to diminish or destroy the value or quality of. So in other words to over indulge a child is to harm his character that would make him resilient, strong, patient, it causes the child to not be properly equipped to handle the trials and challenges of this world that will come. Job 14:1, John 16:33

What would happen if our Heavenly Father immediatley gave us everything we asked for? We would become spoiled – the very thing needed to stand the test of times, our FAITH, would be undeveloped.

"Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith] , lacking in nothing.” James 1:1-4

When we do not receive an answer to our prayers, when we want it, how we want it or how much we want, we have our own sort of hissy fits. Crying, tossing and turning and not able to sleep, hitting pillows, tables, asking God WHYYYYY!!!!! Well, it's time to do away with childish behavoir and allow God to grow and develop us. 1 Corinthians 13:11

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:21-32

[As the Lord beheld Simon Peter, He was looking beyond the situation of difficulty, unrest and turmoil in the life of His beloved disciple. Jesus was looking in the realm of the spiritual and saw that the root cause of the conflicts was the purposeful, planned attacks of the enemy conceived for Simon Peter's destruction. - Morris Cerullo]

God has a plan for our lives, Jeremiah 29:11 but so does Satan John 10:10.

Jesus could have easily said I will take you out of your every problem immediately but he knew Satan's purposed plan to try and destroy Peter. He knew that he had a formidable enemy to deal with in this fallen world. He knew it would be his faith in God that will get him to and through God's purposed plan for his life.

What about you today? Does it seem like God does not care? Does it seem like He's answering everyone's prayers except yours? Are you questioning Why? and When? Well He said count it all joy because this is a trying of your faith. Your level of faith or lack of it right now, like the Israelites, may cost you what it takes to receive what God has for you Numbers 13:32-33, Numbers 14:23 and what He has planned for you is far greater than what you are asking for. Ephesians 3:20 This development (growing or causing to grow and become more mature or advanced) of your faith will have you not only ready to receive your promised land without fear and doubt no matter how big the giants are, Numbers 13:30, but receive it and keep you and your seed there. Numbers 14:24

So stop having your own sort of hissy fit. Trust His word, allow your faith to be developed, and through patience, receive God's greater for your life! And remember, 2 Corinthians 5:7

God says, ______________ (insert your name) I'm maturing you to receive the greater. Just know, trust, and believe…your greater is coming. (Smile)

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