“And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4 Amplified)
The pressures of the pandemic that we are experiencing; the piled up stress, the personal issues we normally grapple with even in good times, the political turmoil that should not be present in a prominent country like ours, the private and business battles to survive, the pantry that has to be replenished more often than nearly a year ago, and those persistent phone calls that present bad news; all this, for many of us, has painted a real life collage of difficult time, it has presented us with a challenge to hold on until our change comes.
By means of the opening and closing verses today, I want to encourage you to endure this experience! Expect some good things to come out of it. I want you to know that you are still working towards perfection and you must never give up. Still, my hope is that you realize your faith is being developed to the point that one day you can say, not in a monotone voice, but a meaningful voice, “Through it all, I learned to trust in Jesus; I learned to trust in God.” Furthermore, know that you are being developed for the next unexpected crisis that will crash into your life. You are being readied, even when times have us reeling. Look at it this way my friend, if you take the Apostle Paul’s testimony and the truth he tells us, you will apprehend the fact that you are actually still learning how to be content regardless of what you are facing or what you shall face in the school of life on earth.
Be patient my friend. Wait on the Lord! Things are indeed going to work out alright. Now, go ahead and offer up some advance praise to the Lord on high and have a great Wednesday…all day! Be blessed!
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King