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.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments