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James 1:2-4 (ESV)* – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

John 15:1-2 (ESV)* – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Life is filled with trials—those moments that test our faith, patience, and endurance. James 1:2-4 challenges us to “count it all joy” when we face these trials, not because they are pleasant, but because they serve a greater purpose in God’s plan for us. These challenges are designed to produce steadfastness, a key attribute that prepares us for the fullness of God’s work in our lives.

So, what does steadfastness mean? Biblically, it’s endurance, consistency, and unwavering faith despite opposition. It’s the ability to hold firm when life’s circumstances seem out of control. Testing our faith is like spiritual resistance training—each challenge strengthens us for the next one.

James encourages us to let steadfastness have its full effect, leading us to become “perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.” This doesn’t mean we will reach some unattainable perfection, but it speaks to spiritual maturity. “perfect” refers to maturity in faith, “complete” means whole, and “lacking nothing” points to being spiritually ready and fully equipped for what God has called us to.

This process often involves being “pruned”—a concept Jesus uses in John 15 when He speaks of Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches. In His loving care, God prunes us, cutting away anything that hinders growth. Pruning might feel painful or unnecessary, but it’s for a purpose: “Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). God doesn’t prune us out of anger or frustration; He prunes because He sees the potential for greater fruit in our lives.

Sometimes, we’re like vines growing wildly, extending further from our life source. A vine that grows too far and too fast without being pruned will eventually just produce sticks. It needs pruning to refocus its energy and get closer to its life source.

I remember a season when I was working in the Major Motion Picture Business in New York. Instead of being involved in high-profile movies like I was normally, I found myself in a movie equipment rental house, doing tasks far below my skill set and pay grade. Frustrated, I realized God was refining me, pruning me for something greater. When I fully embraced that season, God spoke to me: He asked me to move to New Orleans. It made no sense. My wife and I had trained to become missionaries, but instead, we were living in my parents’ house, and I was stuck in what felt like a dead-end job.

After wrestling with it, we said yes to God’s call to New Orleans to serve at a friend’s inner-city church. Minutes after our concession, out of the blue, my boss asked me, “Hey, we need someone to go help open a new movie studio in New Orleans for Paramount Pictures. Would you go?” I was stunned. Five days after moving there, Hurricane Katrina struck. We were miraculously evacuated, but we returned to help with relief efforts. During that time, God broke into our work in stunning ways, touching the lives of many in that community. It felt like we were living out the Book of Acts. That season of pruning was God preparing us to launch Crisis Response International. Looking back, I see how the trials weren’t God being cruel, but Him grooming us for even greater fruitfulness.

Pruning for Greater Fruitfulness:

Pruning can come in many forms—relationship struggles, financial setbacks, or disappointing outcomes. It often feels like opportunities, resources, or even long-standing assignments are being cut away. But pruning is not failure; it’s preparation. Just like a vine doesn’t resent the gardener’s shears, we must trust that God’s pruning leads to greater fruit. When we trust Him through trials, we become more aligned with His purpose, more fruitful, and more equipped to serve others. His oversight of His vineyard is truly perfect.

So, what does it mean to be “perfect, complete, and lacking nothing”? Through pruning and steadfastness, we become spiritually mature, whole in our faith, and fully prepared for God’s purposes. Sometimes, this is how God answers our prayer for our lives to become more fruitful and effective for Him. God uses trials and pruning to shape us into vessels that reflect His glory and bear lasting fruit—fruit that will bless others and expand His Kingdom. If you find yourself in a season of pruning, try not to spend your time moaning, but quickly embrace the Father’s work in your life.

1. How can you find joy in your current trials, knowing they produce steadfastness in your faith?

2. Are there areas in your life where God may be pruning you for greater fruitfulness?

3. How does understanding God’s pruning change the way you approach difficulties and setbacks?

As you reflect on these truths, remember that God is at work in your life. Be steadfast, embrace the pruning, and know that His purpose is to make you “perfect, complete, and lacking nothing”—mature in faith and ready for every good work He has prepared for you.

In Joshua 1, we witness a pivotal moment: God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. It was a massive undertaking, and God’s first words to Joshua were a reminder of His faithfulness: “I will give you every place where you set your foot… I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:3, 5).

As we enter new seasons, whether it’s personal assignments, spiritual growth, or stepping into the unknown to serve others, it’s easy to feel dismayed at times. Dismay is that feeling of despair or discouragement in the face of obstacles we face to enter our land of promise. We’ve all been there, feeling overwhelmed by what lies ahead and potentially the resources we lack to get there.

Reading on in Joshua 1:9, where God’s command is clear: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” His presence is our strength. We must remember that there is power in taking the first step. We engage our faith when we muster our courage to just do the next right thing. You don’t always have to see the entire picture—just that next step in front of you. God’s presence is found there, as He promises to be with us wherever we go.

Sometimes, all we need is the courage to put one foot before the other. I’ve seen it time and again with CRI Responders: the decision to go into places of disaster, bringing hope and healing, even when it seems impossible or terrifying. And what happens? God’s presence meets us there, just like He did for Joshua. CRI Responders experience this when they say “yes” to deploying to a crisis, when we realize that our willingness to go on behalf of others transcends our discomforts and disqualifications.

Ezekiel 47 gives us a powerful image of inheritance—the land being divided for the benefit of future generations. Our calling is never just for us. The steps of faith we take today impact those around us, the people we serve, and those who will come after us. Just like the fruitful trees in Ezekiel, which bear fruit every month and provide healing leaves, the work we do in obedience to God’s calling always has ripple effects. Our faithfulness produces fruit that nourishes others.

The promise of Jehovah-Shammah—“The Lord is there”—in Ezekiel 48:35 reminds us that God not only gives us His promises, but He also promises to be with us in them. His presence is a guarantee. When we walk into the “land,” He’s given us—whether it’s a mission field, our families, or personal challenges—God promises to be right there in the middle of it.

As you reflect on these Scriptures, remember that His promises will come with challenges. But just like Joshua, he was crossing over to divide the land as an inheritance for others. He and just like us are called to face them with strength and courage, not because of our own abilities, but because His presence goes with us. Jehovah-Shammah—The Lord is there—is our assurance, both in the promises and the process.

Reflection:

1. Are there areas in your life where you feel dismayed or uncertain about stepping into the promises God has given you?

2. What next step of faith do you need to take?

3. How does knowing that God’s presence (Jehovah-Shammah) is with you change the way you approach challenges, whether in your personal life or in responding to crises?

3. In what ways can you, as a CRI Responder, reflect God’s promise of fruitfulness and blessing to others, like the trees in Ezekiel 47?

Let these truths encourage you today. Be strong, be courageous, and remember: the Lord is always with you wherever you go. Keep taking those steps, knowing He meets you there.

Preparing Fearlessly

Matthew 24:4-14 (TPT)
“Don’t panic or give in to your fears, for the breaking apart of the world’s systems is destined to happen. But it won’t yet be the end; it will still be unfolding… Yet through it all, the good news of heaven’s kingdom will be proclaimed all over the world, providing every nation with a demonstration of the reality of God.”

Matthew 28:20 (NIV)
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Fear can easily take hold of our hearts in times of uncertainty and crisis. Jesus warned us of great turmoil—wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution—but He also assured us that these events would provide opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission. Even as the world crumbles, our mission remains: to proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom.

Fear is a natural response to crisis, but as followers of Christ, we are called to live fearlessly. This doesn’t mean we won’t experience fear; rather, we refuse to let fear control us. When the attacks at the World Trade Center on 9/11 happened, I was called upon to use the resources I had of motion picture lighting equipment to light up the response efforts. I was overwhelmed with fear, as was our nation gripped with terror. Yet, over time, I’ve learned that there’s nothing more powerful than bringing the gospel into the darkest and most dangerous situations. Whether we face global or personal crises, we can stand firm in our calling, moving from a defensive position to an offensive one, boldly sharing God’s love wherever we are.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Given the context of the Great Commission, this promise assures us that even in the hardest of times—through wars, rumors of wars, and unprecedented crises—Jesus is with us as we live missionally. His promise is not just for those who heard Him speak that day but for all believers throughout history to the end of the age. He never suspends our involvement in the Great Commission because of these events; instead, He strengthens it, guaranteeing His presence as we navigate these challenges.

Our preparedness for crisis is not about self-preservation; it’s about being ready and able to fulfill our mission. Just as Noah, out of godly fear, prepared an ark for an unprecedented event that would reshape the world, we, too, must prepare for the unprecedented events outlined in Scripture. But our preparation isn’t just about surviving these events—it’s about being fruitful for the Kingdom of God during and after the crisis.

Living fearlessly for the gospel’s sake means placing the Great Commission above our comfort and security, knowing that we are part of a greater narrative that leads to the fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth. Just as Noah’s preparation was part of the story—after the flood, he and his family were commissioned to repopulate the earth. As we prepare and ark for the preservation of our family, remember that we are also called to populate heaven by fulfilling the Great Commission.

Remember and take great encouragement in this: when Jesus described a time in history filled with wars, famines, and earthquakes, He also said, “Yet through it all, the good news of heaven’s kingdom will be proclaimed all over the world, providing every nation with a demonstration of the reality of God.” This means that the Great Commission and the most fruitful harvest will occur in the context of crisis. This is good news!

Let’s ensure that our spiritual and practical preparation for crisis serves as the platform on which we can carry out our divine mission to fulfill the Great Commission, even in the most challenging and uncertain of times.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what areas do you feel fear is holding you back from fully living out your calling?
2. How can you shift the weight of your focus from the challenges and crises around you to the mission God has given you?
3. What steps can you take today to live more fearlessly for the sake of the gospel, knowing that Jesus is with you always?

As we prepare for the challenges ahead, embrace a fearless mindset anchored in the promise of Jesus’ presence, knowing that our mission is to bring the gospel to those in crisis and fulfill the Great Commission.

This morning, I was reading Acts 28, where Paul endured a shipwreck and, as if that wasn’t enough, got bitten by a viper. This story stood out as I thought about our current deployment in the Grenadines, which is filled with constant challenges. No power, no running water, no cell signal, relentless mosquitoes, stinging centipedes, attacking land crabs, food poisoning, dehydration, sleepless nights, storms at sea, and a spiritual battle with skinwalkers—it’s been anything but comfortable. Even back home, things are upside-down—a flooded basement, broken appliances and cars, electrical issues, and other weird problems that want to make you throw in the towel.

 

Verse 5 jumped out at me. Paul shakes off the viper into the fire and suffers no ill effects. This reminded me that many of our setbacks, though real, are more like “smoke and mirrors” when we shake them off and keep our focus on God and the mission at hand. Paul’s journey wasn’t easy, and neither is ours. We must not dwell on the attacks and disappointments but instead focus on the Waymaker. What is coming against you today and draining your time and energy rather than simply praying and believing for the solutions?

 

I was further encouraged when I read on in verse 7. “There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.”

 

Just as Paul found favor and was shown generous hospitality, we were invited to work on the island of Mayreau. Although we had fever and dysentery (some of us had food poisoning), we prayed, and the symptoms did not last.

 

As Wave 2 of CRI Volunteers arrived, they followed the Holy Spirit’s leading, and the first testimonies of healing and powerful ministry came in. Two people were healed of lung issues. This is a powerful reminder that God has a special apostolic assignment for CRI. We have a unique opportunity on this tiny island to partner with God and His Church and see the Kingdom crash in. Even amid the setbacks and issues, almost every time we prayed for solutions, they manifested quickly. I believe all the provisions, favor, and resources for the journey ahead will come, and this is just the start of what God wants to do, but it takes willing vessels to carry out God’s purposes.

 

Hurricane Beryl and the devastation are unmatched. For the scale and scope of this event, I have been struggling to understand why there aren’t more volunteers. This deployment is undoubtedly not for everyone. However, in 2 Corinthians 11 and 12, Paul recounts his sufferings and calling as an apostle, underscoring our mission’s actual costs and rewards. His imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks show that hardship is part of spreading the gospel. As CRI Responders sent to the harvest field of crisis, we can expect things to be hard. We are called to the hardest and darkest. We are crisis response missionaries who serve to see the harvest in crisis come in.

 

Sometimes, when we focus on the difficulties and challenges of deployment, our lack of finances, and all the inconveniences, we will often disqualify ourselves from the historical exploits God has prepared for us in advance. Paul boasting about his weaknesses rather than his strengths reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in our frailty. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our limitations are opportunities for God’s strength to shine. Many times over, I have deployed when I was extremely weak, the odds stacked against me, and several times dealing with relentless physical issues.

 

True apostolic work involves significant sacrifice and dedication. Sacrifice is a profound expression of love and obedience to God. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). Sacrificial acts, whether in the form of time, resources, or personal comfort, are tangible expressions of this love. They show a willingness to place God’s will and the needs of others above personal desires, aligning with the biblical principle of selflessness.

 

Sacrifice often requires believers to leave their comfort zones and rely on God. In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Taking up one’s cross implies a daily commitment to sacrifice and reliance on God. Such sacrifices can strengthen faith, as believers witness God’s provision and faithfulness in response to their obedience.

 

Sacrifices made for the sake of the Kingdom often lead to the advancement of God’s work on Earth. In John 12:24, Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat: “Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” This illustrates how personal sacrifices can lead to greater spiritual fruit and the spread of the Gospel. When believers sacrifice, they contribute to the larger mission of revealing God’s glory and extending His Kingdom.

 

Sacrifice has a transformative effect on the believer’s character and spiritual growth. Romans 12:1 urges believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is their true and proper worship. This act of sacrificial living renews the mind and transforms individuals into Christ’s likeness, fostering spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God.

 

Lastly, the Bible teaches that sacrificial living brings joy and reward. In Matthew 16:25, Jesus states, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This paradox highlights that true life and fulfillment in the Kingdom of God are found through sacrificial living. The rewards of such sacrifices may not always be immediate, but they are assured in the eternal perspective of God’s Kingdom.

 

Despite the setbacks and suffering, our labor for the gospel leads to the manifestation of God’s power and grace. Let’s persevere and stay committed, knowing the impact of our work goes beyond the immediate challenges.

 

Our mission in the Grenadines is vital. This deployment signals a crossing over for CRI into its true apostolic calling. Simply meaning, “sent ones” with true power and authority to demonstrate and release the Kingdom of God and leave fruit that remains and multiplies. This will and should come at a cost. However, cost and sacrifice are foreign to our Western expression of Christianity. Honestly, the opposition and challenges we currently are facing are grade school stuff compared to what Christians face on the daily in other parts of the world. As Paul’s experiences show, our present sufferings are temporary and pave the way for eternal rewards. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize and remain steadfast in our calling.

 

I am looking for those willing to sacrifice themselves and pay the price for the gospel’s sake. Those who at any cost want to see Jesus shine and receive the rewards of His sufferings. I am looking for those not distracted and sidelined by the drama of the bad news surrounding us and our nation and the fears of what they might lose. That snake has bitten many and injected its venom of fear and doubt, leaving them wringing their hands, clinging to what they cannot keep anyway. Why not just voluntarily get uncomfortable and go do great things again?

 

I  ask you to ask God once again if this deployment is for you. I am looking for the “weak and willing ones” who will let God’s strength and provision send them.  Maybe you cannot go, but you can send someone who can. Maybe you need a season to break away from the naysayers in your life and take the time to gain fresh courage for your calling.

 

This fall, we intend to run an ARC School. The focus will be on training and mobilizing mercy missionaries with an apostolic response to fulfill the Great Commission in the context of crisis. In the meantime, remember to shake off the snakes, disregard the smoke and mirrors, and don’t let the enemy hold you down for another moment.

 

Staying strong and focused,

Sean Malone

Founder and Director, Crisis Response International