How do we develop perseverance? How do we keep, keeping on? Through trials and tests, we persevere. Great! Just what we wanted to hear! Most of us have already seen enough trials in our life that we never signed up for.
An interesting fact is that when I looked up the definition of perseverance it said, “A continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” Isn’t life full of difficulties and opposition? Yet, we can be encouraged and strengthened through them.
Jesus tells us this, “The testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1: 3)
What happens when our faith is tested? Perhaps, you were diagnosed with an illness that blind-sighted you; or maybe you just found out that they are downsizing at work so they laid you off?
It’s in these unexpected life events that our faith is tested. Do we cling to the rock, our Jesus? We should! He’s the only thing that’s rock-solid in this life!
- Having our faith tested develops perseverance in us.
- We really can’t achieve it any other way.
For example, if we ask for patience, we’re going to encounter some difficulties.
What is our tendency when the unexpected comes in life? We run away or try to squirm our way out of it. We are told, “Perseverance must finish its course so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1: 4)
- If we bail out early it’s not going to finish its work in us.
- Let the work of perseverance finish its course of building our faith.
After James exhorts us to be persevering, he moves to another subject, wisdom. He says, “If anyone of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1: 5)
- Ask and don’t doubt.
- Believe wisdom will be granted.
If we doubt, we’re like a “Wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1: 6)
- We can’t control the sail if the winds are too high.
- Doubting causes us to move back and forth not having a steady hand or mind on things.
- Doubting is the opposite of trusting.
- Doubting causes us to be double-minded and unstable.
The ride on a sailboat is a lot smoother when there are steady waves. We can sit and enjoy the scenery around us too. Enough about that!
Perseverance Brings Blessings
What’s this blessing? “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1: 12)
Take Note Of This
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1: 19)
Lord, Jesus help us with this! My mouth shoots off before I listen sometimes! How can we achieve this?
Stay Grounded
How do we do all the things God is asking to us to do? Rely on the Holy Spirit! Ask Him to help. Also, stay grounded in His Word. “The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he heard, but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1: 25)
- The key is not forgetting what we read.
- Holy Spirit loves to have that settled inside.
Part of practicing religion that God delights in is not only caring for one another but keeping, “Oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1: 26)
- We know what pollutes us and what doesn’t.
Help us Lord to persevere in choosing what pleases you!
(Shared from James 1, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.
Comments are closed.