Faith produces patience
“My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
James 1:2-3 (ESV)
Trials are a normal part of the Christian life. Notice that the verse doesn’t say “if you fall into various trials,” but instead it says “when you fall into various trials.” That means that we are going to face trouble and hardships no matter what. However, experience of trials are proof of a person’s faithfulness. God tests the faithfulness of all of His followers throughout the Bible, including Abraham, Job, David and so on and so forth. Even Jesus Christ Himself faced trials while he fasted in the desert for 40 days.
The joy of enduring trials is a sign of hope for future relief. We should be joyful whenever we endure through tribulations, because we know God is there waiting for us at the end every single time. Knowing that trials produce patience is the basis for joy. There is nothing happier than knowing that someone is there for you. In every case, God is always there for you.
Patience is a virtue. It shows that you can withstand anything the world can throw at you. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, so think about that this week whenever you go through a moment in your life where things aren’t going your way. This week, pray that you can produce patience no matter what the tough situation is.