James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Last week Joyce and I were following a car that was dragging his anchor. You know what I mean—driving several miles below the speed limit and delaying traffic—of which I was one.
Joyce began to laugh and reminded me of my prayer for patience. I was attending a conference in Salt Lake City. The day before the conference started, I was stuck in one delay after another. By the time I reached my room I was very agitated. Well maybe a few clicks beyond agitated.
When I tried to study my Bible and pray I kept thinking of my lousy attitude while driving into town. I confessed it before the Lord and then asked Him to help me to become more patient. I prayed that same prayer before going to breakfast.
I wanted to get to the first session early, so when I went into the coffee shop I sat at the counter. Everyone knows that you receive faster service when you sit at the counter—right? WRONG!!
I waited and waited and waited some more. It did not take me very long to realize how the Lord was teaching me a lesson. I began to thank Him for giving me the chance to exercise patience so soon after praying for it.
The next thing I noticed was how upset my waitress was. People who came in long after I did had finished their breakfast, paid and left the cafe—but I was still sittting in a relaxed manner at the counter. It was hilarious to see her back in the kitchen arguing with the cook. They began to look around and suddenly became excited. They had found my ticket!
My poor waitress apologized over and over. She said, “I’m so sorry, your order ticket had dropped down behind the cook’s counter and that was the cause for the long delay.” I simply smiled and said, “No, that was not the reason. The real reason is that I prayed for patience and this was my test.”
The Greek word for “perseverance” in today’s Scripture is the word, Hypomonē. It is defined as: patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance. God’s people across the ages have been called upon to exercise this discipline that can only be developed during trials and ordeals.
The next time you encounter an attack or fiery trial (you may be in one right now) use the God given pattern that James presents in today’s Scripture: “Consider it pure joy!” Why? Because God is at work in and through you! Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil