LET PERSEVERANCE FINISH IT’S WORK
James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 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.
Dear Reader,
Too many times you hear stories about people giving up right before finding that which they are seeking. With their perseverance and hope abandoned, they find themselves or their dreams dead and destroyed.
Stranded and out in a snowstorm, some folks have tried to navigate their way to some sort of civilization. Sadly, perseverance and stamina gives out and they freeze to death only a few miles from help. Oh, if only they knew it was but a bit further down the road! Surely then, endurance would have kicked in and with perseverance they would have made out of their trouble.
In the first chapters of the book of James we are told to, “Count it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because the testing of our faith develops PERSEVERANCE.” So what is the big deal about perseverance? If you go on to read you learn that perseverance, after finishing it’s job, will lead you into a more mature walk with God. It also tells us that it leads to a completeness, a not lacking of anything.
This “not lacking anything” does not mean you can go shopping and spend money like oil on water. What it does mean is that you will not want for anything. All of your spiritual and physical needs will be met.
You need to examine your life and MAKE UP YOUR MIND not to QUIT!! You have to ask God for wisdom and strength and continue on your path. He has plans for you and He wants you to complete the work He has already prepared for you.
When you are weary, ask Him to hide you in the shadow of His wing. When you are fearful, remember He tells us to be brave and very courageous. He also tells us over and over again, “Do not be afraid!” This is not a statement. It is a command. “Fear not for I am with you,” should be engraved on your heart. Make up your mind not to quit!
If you are stuck, in trouble, or in need of assistance the Word of God tells us that our help comes from the Lord. Until you see the fruit of what God has placed within you, don’t stop.
What is life if you go through the freeze of winter only to miss out on the growth in springtime and the harvest of fall? He has seeds for you to plant and a harvest to bring in with your help. Don’t let personal trials stop you from persevering and gaining your just reward.
PSALM 121 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Looking forward to reading as you share your thoughts and wisdom.
Hi Butch,
I am so glad you found my blog and that you found the words I posted encouraging and helpful.
very good message!
Thank you! Excellent post; we really need to understand that God doesn’t want us to stop being Christians, even when there seems no advantage to it. We must be obedient, and patient. I believe then all our needs will be met.
Tim,
You are always very supportive. Isn’t God good!! We need to remember this fact in good times and bad times. He is constant but sadly we are not. Humans, even believers can be so fickle.