The Work of Perseverance

James 1-5 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4

We live in an age where most trials can be avoided or minimized. Pain is medicated and suffering is numbed by distractions and addictions. 

In the face of this culture of escape, how can “perseverance…finish its work”?

Will we approach suffering or trials of any kind, differently?

Will we ask God to show us how to find the joy of death-to-self and the surrender of our will in that trial or test?

This trial could be a challenging relationship, physical limitation, or financial challenge.

Will we invite God’s grace and empowering Spirit to strengthen us even as we yield our will to God with joy?

Will we let perseverance finish the work of maturing our faith?

Let’s not think churches full of attenders are the same as maturity of faith. Weighing faith is more important than counting numbers.

“Lord Jesus, I pray for grace to persevere in faith, for your glory.”