James 1:2-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Do you ever feel as if the world is dragging along at a snail’s pace all around you? Do you feel like every time you get in the shortest check-out line, there is a some sort of hang up and you wait and wait? All of the longer lanes you passed up have checked out and you are still waiting. PATIENCE!
The book of James is one of the most practical books in Scripture as it deals with true Christian living. Not only does James tell us what we should do, but he gives steps to follow and profits to expect.
One of the profits he explains is in the critical area of patience. It starts by how we deal with trials. The natural inclination is to be angry or frustrated when we face trials. James tells us to count it pure joy. WHY? Because it starts a sequence by allowing the Lord to show us that faith in Him allows Him to do the work through us and make us complete.
How do you react to the trials that you encounter on a daily basis? Do you fret and stew or do you look up to the Lord and thank Him for entrusting you with this new opportunity to grow in His grace? Trust Him!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil