“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23“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.” James 1:2-4
When pressure comes…that is when we truly see what we are made of. And if we’re truthful with ourselves…sometimes we don’t like what we see. It’s immature to believe were only meant for prosperity and that our lives are going to be problem free when we become Christians. Sure, there are going to be good times, but God wants to make us mature and complete…that will never happen without pain and struggles. This scripture is basically telling us to see our trials as opportunities for growth. What? Hard as it may be…and sometimes it seems impossible….we have to try to look past the pain, and thank God for being with us, and giving us His strength to endure. And the Bible says that as we endure ~ growth happens ~ eventually, we are complete! But in order to do this…we really need to press into God.
The way I look at this…Perseverance and patience go hand in hand. There was a time I wanted to just throw in the towel and just quit! Life was too hard. I am convinced that God saw me and led me to this scripture…
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
That scripture has been my saving grace. Those words hit this girl like a ton of bricks, and lifted me out of the prison cell of depression I was in, and planted me back in the game of life. That’s the power of God’s Word .Remember Hebrews 4:12 says His Word is sharper than any two-edged sword…*Just one word from God can change everything*
So now James 1:12, along with 1 Peter 4:19 are taped to a shelf and the towel rack in my bathroom. 1 Peter 4:19 says…
“So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right; and trust yourself to the One who made you, for he will never fail you.”
Patience…No matter how overwhelming the situation or how you feel, God can draw you back to the light.
More on patience tomorrow……