JAMES 1:2-4 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always
experience the blessings promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith.
Without faith, we could never please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the
incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be
selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we
really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward.
God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can
overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. What God
desires is for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in
faith until we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot
always shield us from problems without taking away from us the
privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with
God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! We know He
promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always
experience the blessings promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith.
Without faith, we could never please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the
incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be
selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we
really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward.
God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can
overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. What God
desires is for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in
faith until we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot
always shield us from problems without taking away from us the
privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with
God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! We know He
promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
