Faith and Patience

There is a scripture in James 1:3 that says “Knowing this the trying of your faith, worketh patience.” When our faith is tested, it is a hard thing to go through. Whether the testing is from a loss, emotional strain, financial difficulty, physical pain, sickness, or we’ve been hurt by someone close. Any one of these things could cause us to question not only ourselves but God too. Patience is not an easy lesson. The storms of life can cause us to feel just like that, as if we’re caught in a storm being tossed about. It can be difficult to find any good in situations that are difficult.

Why the test many ask themselves? I have asked myself that question many times. Cause really, does anyone enjoy being tested? This thought makes me laugh! What I have learned and am still learning is that even when my faith is tested my faith in God must remain secure and not be dictated by the circumstances or by what “I feel”. How do we stand in these times? Not on our own strength, but in the strength of God. Allowing God to help us walk through the storms and trying times makes such a difference.

Now enters the patience portion. I have always admired the patience I’ve seen others display because I knew this was an area that I have struggled with. That is the real test right there! Maintaining our position in the middle of the test produces the patience. Then our faith is increased as a result, it works together to bring us through.

If you’re struggling I encourage you to keep standing, keep praying, and keep believing. It may feel like you’re in the valley, or even in the middle of a storm, but hold on the mountaintop is on the horizon. Let the trying of your faith produce the patience that God has for you in the next season. It will be worth it!