Perseverance
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
In the Bible, we read about the perseverance of Joseph in Genesis. His brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery. Then, he was thrown in prison and forgotten for two years.
Despite all those trials, he stayed faithful to God.
When the Pharaoh of Egypt placed him second in command. Joseph realized that God had a greater purpose in mind. When Joseph’s brothers faced him years later, they were terrified he would take revenge.
.However, his words to them revealed maturity and a heart of forgiveness. “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:19).
This echos what James is preaching to the church.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
Penelope J. Stokes said it this way, “It is not success that demonstrates the power of God, but perseverance.”
Help us Father when face trials to stay the course. Having a heart of perseverance knowing You are right there with us through it all.
Charity O
