A Test of Patience
“Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:3-4
Over the next week, we will focus on the types of tests that God sends to strengthen us. The first is a test of patience. Patience is one of the hardest things to cultivate because we want our life to produce fruit immediately. And when we don’t see that fruit in what we consider a “acceptable” amount of time, we assume that we never will.
The book of Job highlights what it means to run the race of endurance. Job loses all his prized possessions, family, and health. Others want him to curse God because they believe that the outcome cannot possibly be the result of serving a loving God. They want to impose their feelings on Job and there are times when even Job grows weary in the wait. However, Job never gives up. He is ultimately blessed beyond measure and has a testimony after his testing.
We all have areas where we need to practice patience. However, we must realize that God is in control. Our best made plans pale in comparison to those of God’s. He will move on our behalf, but we must be willing to wait on the outcome. Otherwise, we will find ourselves settling for less than God’s best.
When circumstances are out of your control and you cannot accomplish all that you desire, believe that God is able. Make up in your mind that you will persevere so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Over the next week, we will focus on the types of tests that God sends to strengthen us. The first is a test of patience. Patience is one of the hardest things to cultivate because we want our life to produce fruit immediately. And when we don’t see that fruit in what we consider a “acceptable” amount of time, we assume that we never will.
The book of Job highlights what it means to run the race of endurance. Job loses all his prized possessions, family, and health. Others want him to curse God because they believe that the outcome cannot possibly be the result of serving a loving God. They want to impose their feelings on Job and there are times when even Job grows weary in the wait. However, Job never gives up. He is ultimately blessed beyond measure and has a testimony after his testing.
We all have areas where we need to practice patience. However, we must realize that God is in control. Our best made plans pale in comparison to those of God’s. He will move on our behalf, but we must be willing to wait on the outcome. Otherwise, we will find ourselves settling for less than God’s best.
When circumstances are out of your control and you cannot accomplish all that you desire, believe that God is able. Make up in your mind that you will persevere so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
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