The Reason For Endurance

 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.

-James 1:2-4 (King James Version)

We've been studying in Hebrews 12 on the topic of running the race of life, running in the paths that God has called us to. The writer of Hebrews 12:1 teaches us to run the race with patience. We talked yesterday how we must live life with determination, with endurance. How can we do that? I think we need to look at James 1 for that answer.

^"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." When we fall into various trials and temptations (and they will come), we must know why? One thing I try and do, though I always don't remember, is ask God why this trial is happening. I believe that most trials are sent to help build our faith in God. James teaches us to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." I can't imagine getting excited when a trial comes my way, but verse 3 teaches us why. "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Patience-the same way we are to run the race of life. So then, the trying of our faith develops determination, it develops endurance. One of the problems many of us deal with is we give up too easily. When we run into a trial, many people turn their backs on God. They figure they've done something to offend Him, or they feel that maybe there really isn't a God in the first place. But, the trials you and I face is designed to help us develop determination, to develop endurance so that we can continue running the race. Verse 4 says, "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." We need to allow endurance, determination and patience work in our life so that we may be perfect. I like that word, how about you? We need to allow them to do their work so that we may be entire, lacking nothing.

Friends, are you facing a trial of your faith today? Don't give up, allow that trial to help you develop strength to continue running with Jesus. Think About It.