Perfect and Complete
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-3) We not only rejoice in times of abundance and favor, but also in times of trials and hardships. It is doubtful any of us would choose joy through suffering, but the Lord has chosen it for us; it is His most useful tool for purifying our faith. This is where the Spirit of God gives us the blessing of an overcoming and victorious life. Remember, it is impossible to please God without faith, and that faith must be tested through trial and fire. So, rejoice through it all. Perfection and completion await. Patience comes from God's expert use of time and experience, and if we allow, He uses those things to produce glory and perfection in us — not that we are perfect in ourselves but perfectly related to Christ. Through time and experience ...