It wasn't planned, but it now seems very fitting that we studied James right before we plunge into the book of Job. Job is a tough book. Quite honestly, I am a little nervous about studying Job, but I know that God has something special for each of us in His Word. As we read the book of Job, we will see first hand the picture of patient endurance. Let's look at what James has to say about it.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it all joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." ~James 1:2-4 Trouble, trials and suffering affects us all. Each of us have experienced suffering in some way. We have either watched from the sidelines as someone we love walks through it or we have walked it ourselves. But have we counted it all joy? How do we find joy in the midst of suffering and pain? As Christians, no matter what awfulness we may face on this earth, we have something to be joyful about: Jesus. We have hope in every circumstance because we have Jesus. We know how our story ends, and right here in James, we see the outcome of our trials. When our faith is tested, our endurance grows, and as our endurance grows we become complete. Patient Endurance. "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." ~ James 1:12 Our endurance is also made stronger as we face testing and temptation. God blesses us through that endurance if we choose His ways over our fleshly ways. Temptation never comes from God, it comes from our own sinful desires. We have the choice to act upon our sinful desires or to say no to the temptation all together. (James 1:13-15) Patient Endurance. My prayer for each of us is that we will hold fast to the Lord in all trials, trouble, suffering and temptation. May we be women who can count it all joy as we patiently endure the pain and sorrow that may come our way. Remember, Sweet Sisters, our hope is in Jesus. No matter what happens, that never changes. Let's patiently endure! Keep reading! Joyfully His, Andrea
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
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