Patience and Perfection

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4)

 

Before the Lord can use us to change things around us, He must first change us. God is doing a new thing in you, and “new” means something that has never been done before. The life of this new creature is not learned overnight. It is a beautiful and difficult work that only the Lord can accomplish, and He does that work according to His will, His Spirit, and His timing. So, be still and trust Him. Let Him have His way with you. He knows what He is doing.

The saint who "lacks nothing" is one who is filled with the Holy Spirit and the wisdom that prepares him for every situation and conversation. This preparation is a sovereign work of God that cannot and will not be done according to our efforts or desire; but the Lord employs times and seasons to accomplish His work, and His ends are never ours. We suppose God will move according to our prayers and desires, but that is not so. He will move according to His will, and by patience He will perfect our prayers and desires to agree with His. So, empty yourself today, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. That is what it means to be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  

 

Let's Pray - Father, have Your way in me. You are sovereign, and that means Your will is superior to mine. I humble myself in Your sight. Amen.