My Dear Shepherds,

Have you read much about prodigies? Kids born with astonishing capacities, like Mozart playing the harpsichord at age four, Blaise Pascal inventing one of the world’s first mechanical calculators at age 18, or Kim Ung Yong who had the highest IQ ever recorded—210. (Einstein’s was 160.)

There are Christian prodigies too, but none till they’re born again. And here’s the kicker: we’re their pastors.

In writing to Christians facing “trials of many kinds,” James explains God’s generous offer to supply wisdom upon request, enabling us to persevere till we become “mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Everybody must persevere through trials, and some are better for it, but only Christians can persevere shaped by the unique wisdom of God.

God’s wisdom flourishes in Christian prodigies. Their capacities have nothing to do with genius or talent. It is in their inborn capacity to receive, trust, and obey God’s Word. James writes:

[The Father] chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. ... Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:18, 21)

The believers entrusted to our care have an otherworldly ear for Scripture. They have a Spirit-breathing capacity for obeying Jesus. They live in the light. It’s what the LORD promised through Jeremiah, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jer. 31:33).

Yes, I know. These prodigies aren’t always so saintly. But if they’re redeemed, God’s Word is planted in them.

We pastors are their tutors, parents, and nutritionists. Week after week we model and instruct our flock in Scripture. Each sermon we preach, if we hew to the intent and heart of Scripture, will resonate with them. It’ll strike a flame. It’ll nourish their souls.

Trials are a proving ground. Every trial, great or small, is a test of faith. If anything prompts people to pray, it will be trials. Sometimes they lay bare faithlessness, pride, and disobedience, even flushing out pretenders.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (James 1:23–24)

That’s when pastors step in sometimes, taking people back to the mirror.

The evidence of God’s wisdom will not be a sage understanding of theodicy, but rather the humility of the poor in spirit and our Christlike practice of gentleness, mercy, sincerity, and peace in our relationships, especially when we’re under pressure.

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18)

Our work as pastors is to leverage our own trials to lay hold of God’s generous wisdom. Then to prepare our people for trials and to help them seek God’s wisdom to persevere when they do. James’ short ministry quiz should’ve been on our seminary final exam:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

You’ve probably heard it said that pastors must prepare people to die well, the last great trial. But imagine seeing them on that great coronation day.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

Be ye glad!

Lee Eclov recently retired after 40 years of local pastoral ministry and now focuses on ministry among pastors. He writes a weekly devotional for preachers on Preaching Today.