Let Patience Have Its Perfect Work

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials; knowing that the testing of your faith works patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ---James 1:2-4

Notice in verse 4 that James didn’t say, “Let those tests and trials have their perfect work.” No, He said, “Let patience have its perfect work…”

You see, tests and trials don’t perfect you. It is what you do with them that counts. You are not perfected because a bunch of problems come along. You are perfected because you stick with the Word of God in the midst of those problems and patiently endure. That’s when patience has its perfect work.

Patience is consistent endurance. When you walk in patience, you remain consistent all the way through situations, no matter what comes along. You aren’t up and down like a yo-yo. You base everything on God’s Word. You don’t get up in the morning and ask yourself how you are. You get up in the morning, open your Bible and tell yourself how you are according to the Word!

I’ve seen people grow in their spiritual walks as a result of using their faith against the circumstances the world has to throw at them. I’ve also seen people go under when they are faced with the same tests and trials. It’s what people DO with their problems that make the difference. Take a look at yourself when you are presented with some news. What is your first reaction? Is it rage or anger? Is it tears and hopelessness? Or is your response in peace knowing that no matter what the news or situation, God will walk with you through it and get you to the other side of that situation in victory?

Faith thrives in the midst of a trial. That doesn’t mean we enjoy the trial. But when it comes our way, we don’t shrink away from it either! We stand on God’s Word and say, “Thank God, I know and trust the One whom I have believed!” Even when the going gets tough, we just dig our heels in and say, “I don’t care what it looks like, seems like, sounds like or feels like. I believe what the Word of God says, and it says I am more than a conqueror!”

Confession: My faith thrives in the midst of a trial. When a circumstance comes that tests me, I will remember or read what the Word of God says. With the confidence that God doesn’t lie and that He will walk with me through all circumstances, I will remain calm and with patient endurance rely on Him to get me through.