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 1:2-4 – NKJV)
Patience, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, is the goal that James outlines in this passage. This passage challenges me that it is the testing of my faith, my responce to trials and sufferings, which God uses to make me perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
God’s Word is clear. I will never become patient by trying to be patient, nor will the Holy Spirit just hand patience to me on a silver platter. I must go through suffering and testing in order for the Holy Spirit to produce patience in me and I must make some very crucial decisions when faced with difficulties in life.
I could respond to the difficulties of life:
- on my own strength, or
- by walking with Jesus, in loving dependence, totally trusting in Him and being completely joyful in Him, remembering that He is in complete control of absolutely everything, and trusting that nothing is allowed to come into my life without having to go through Him first.
I choose Jesus!
Oh Lord, how I adore you! Your love is so awesome, so amazing, so unfailing and so true. There are simply not enough words I could pray that would adequately describe the level of love and adoration I have for you. You are a mighty Warrior, a consuming Fire, you are an ever present help in time of need, and my heart longs to worship you in spirit and in truth.
I confess to you, Lord that I have fallen way short in areas of my life where you have placed trials in my path. I have selfishly tried to handle life’s difficulties on my own instead of leaning on you for guidance and support. I humbly ask you for forgiveness and I ask you to restore me and grow me. Help me to understand the difficulties of life from the vantage point of having confidence in your sovereignty. I ask that in those moments of anxiety and trouble, that you magnify yourself in my heart and in my mind so that I may respond with absolute joy!
I thank you Lord, that I am forgiven and yes, Lord, I thank you for trials. It is in these difficulties that I see you at work so clearly and it is in the trials that I am able to grow into a full-grown child of God, so that you could use me in this world to bring the hope of your love to men and women I come in contact with. Shine your light so bright, Lord and use me so that others may see evidence of you in me and give glory to you!
One day, these sufferings of life will come to an end, Lord. But until the day arrives when I see you face to face, I desire to live each day ascribing loving praise to you, no matter what life hands me. You are my God and I love you and praise you with all I have to give. I will enter your gates with thanksgiving, and your courts with praise, I will give thanks to you and bless your name, every day you allow me to live, for you are the absolute joy of my heart and I cannot live without you.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
I love you, Jesus!
John (Johnd7264)
Sixty-six books in a year 
John, I dig your entries because they OVERFLOW with Jesus. Keep being filled and sharing the wealth, friend!