Only the best

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. James 1:16-17a NLT

James is writing to believers who are in very difficult predicament. They have been scattered abroad because of the intense persecutions. Some are starting to doubt God and are questioning about His lack of concern to the difficulties they are facing. So, James reminded them of who God is. He starts with telling them to not be deceived and instead consider the character of God. The trials they are going through are not given so that they will turn away from God but to draw them to Him. God wants His children to rely on Him for He cares for them. James challenges them to continue to rely on God’s providence. God, in His goodness, gives us gifts that “is good and perfect.” In His goodness, He created heaven and earth. When we have sinned, He send His Son to die for our sin. He poured out His Spirit so we can live lives pleasing before Him. He is the Almighty who is fully in control of every situation and He knows what is best for His children. All things come to us out of His hand, flowing from the goodness of His heart. “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). Because we have trusted God, believing Him as our Lord and Savior, we were given the authority to be called children of God. “To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). God is our Father. Therefore, we should be encouraged and not be overtaken by the darkness; a negative response resulting from the difficulties in life. All the more that the skies are dark, all the more you see the bright lights. And God “created all the lights in the heavens.” “God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5). God has freed us from darkness and continues to dispel darkness. What we see in His creation reflects the goodness of God. “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20). We need to grow deeper understanding the character of God for such knowledge is what will sustain us during times of difficulties. Only what is best is what God wants for His children.

Blessings,