… count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
Patience is defined as capable of waiting without becoming annoyed or upset; capable of persevering calmly when faced with difficulties; to be enduring, tolerant, unwearied, uncomplaining, and our favorite, long suffering. I am so glad to know that there is an encouraging scripture to support every one of these words and why it is important that we learn to let patience have her perfect work in us.
James tells us the importance of counting it all joy when we find ourselves immersed in various circumstances or situations that come to test our faith because in this we can establish the patience we need to run this race and complete this journey. He encourages us to let patience have her perfect or absolute work, so that we can be made complete and whole in Christ.
As hard as it may seem, we sometimes feel as if we are somehow incapable of enduring what patience brings about. Yet, we have God’s assurance that once we have been tried by the testing of our faith, there comes the delight of knowing that we are much more precious than gold that perishes and we are kept by the power of God through our faith. The process that gold has to endure before it is even presentable involves high heat in order to rid it of impurities so it can be at its purest form. Think of it in that sense. God’s desire for us is to go through the fire in order to burn off the dross, the gunk, and the impurities that keep us from shining forth as the precious jewels we are. It’s a process that we must endure. Peter also reminds us that in this we can greatly rejoice with unspeakable joy (I Peter 1:5-9).
As we meditate on this today, remember that in order for God to use us effectively, we have to be willing to go through the process of what He is trying to do in us. And while we are enduring that process, let’s count it all joy!
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
|
