Profits of Practicing Patience (James 1:1-4)
James 1:1-4, James, a servant of God and of the LORD Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. G. Campbell Morgan said, “Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.” God uses trials in our lives to make us steadfast in the faith. Second only to suffering, waiting may be the greatest teacher and trainer in godliness, maturity, and genuine spirituality most of us ever encounter. In prayer, we are aware that God is in action and that when the circumstances are ready, when others are in the right place, and when our hearts are prepared, he will call us into the action. Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts. Let’s view four ways in which we profit by practicing patience. 1. We need patience in suffering. In Romans 5:3, “tribulations worketh patience”. We see Job as an example of faith (James 5:11). In Job 23:10, “…when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold”. 2. We need patience in our labor for the Lord. According to Galatians 6:9, we have this promise, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” 3. We need patience in the Christian race Hebrews 12:1-2, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 4. We need patience in waiting for Jesus in the rapture II Thessalonians 3:5, And the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Patience is the inner strength from God to bear with a plan or adversity a long time. We believers are becoming less patient these days. We want this to happen right now. If it doesn’t, we get discouraged and give up. When Jesus took his disciples over the Sea of Galilee, He took them right through a dreadful storm. It was a trying experience for the disciples, but there was great opportunity for ministry awaiting them. When they arrived safely on the other side, they freed a demoniac man, healed a diseased woman and raised a dead girl. They had to pass through a great trial to get there. PRAYER: Father, forgive me for the times when I have struggled waiting while You were working in my life. I can’t endure in my strength, but in Your strength, I can endure with joy. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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