Having the understanding that “all is ours” in Christ needs to be held in balance with the understanding that it is not a life free of obstacles. In fact, the obstacles test that understanding that “all is ours.” Our faith (given to us by Christ, not earned) is then revealed as precious gold.
That balance is tough to keep in mind. Somehow if we dare to believe that we truly can have all we need in Christ, we get tempted to believe there won’t be any struggles. Then, when struggles come we are completely mystified.
Or, if we struggle through trials, we can’t seem to grasp the resources of the Kingdom available to us as we walk through those trials successfully.
We need to hold onto what the Word speaks to us:
3 After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. (James 1:3-4, CEB)
3 By his divine power the Lord has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own honor and glory. 4Through his honor and glory he has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immorality that sinful craving produces. (2 Peter 1:3-4, CEB)
What we have in Christ is complete. It is not free from struggle. Rather, it is proven through struggle.
Apprentice 2 Jesus 