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 NKJV
As God is working out His perfect plan for us, we often want it to happen right now. But character development takes time and patience. James tells us that when patience has had its perfect work, we will be perfect (fully developed) and complete, lacking nothing. James also speaks about trials of all kinds, and it is during these trials that we are instructed to be patient. Patience is not the ability to wait; it is the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that manifests itself in a calm, positive attitude despite the circumstances.
“Due season” is God’s season, not ours. We are in a hurry, but God isn’t. He takes time to do things right–He lays a solid foundation before He attempts to build a building. We are God’s building under construction. He is the Master Builder, and He knows what He is doing. God’s timing seems to be His own little secret. The Bible promises that He will never be late, but I have also discovered that He is usually not early. It seems that He takes His every available opportunity to develop the fruit of patience in us.
Love Yourself Today: When you’re feeling impatient, remember: You’re still under construction.
From the book Love Out Loud by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2011 by Joyce Meyer.
No comments:
Post a Comment