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Faith Perfected
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)
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"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:3-4
Life is full of trials and tribulations of various shapes and sizes that everyone must face, from the tiny baby that just took its first breath, to the elderly saint that is gray with the wisdom of God. These experiences immediately begin developing our character and influencing the way we look at and live life. According to the Word of God, we are to count it pure joy when we face these trials of many kinds, but why? What is the benefit of enduring these often painful times in life with joy and longsuffering? Better yet, how can we learn to endure such hardship with a happy and joyful heart?
Patience is the key to endurance. This is a truth that is commonly overlooked, especially in today's society of quick answers and on the spot fulfillment of wants and desires. No one has to wait patiently for anything anymore. Patience is a lost art that must be recovered if we are to endure the hard times ahead. Without patience, faith cannot be perfected. The two work together to develop character and perseverance in the hearts of the children of God. We must submit ourselves to the trials of life and patiently endure so that our faith may be made perfect, "…without faith it is impossible to please God:" Hebrews 11:6
The joyful heart understands that these trials are important for growth and that faith must be perfected. There is comfort in knowing that we can "…abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1. God provides comfort, peace, protection, and grace while He is refining that perfect faith within us. He has faithfully given us everything we need to persevere…we just need to grab hold of that truth and humbly purpose in our hearts to live it. The joy comes in submitting to God and the work that He is doing in your life right now. "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light and thy judgement as the noonday." Psalm 37:5-6
Understanding the process of the perfection of faith and learning to abide in the presence of the Lord are priceless treasures that will help you retain the joy of your salvation, so that you can count it pure joy and rejoice in the Lord even in the face of adversity.
"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:8
Copyright 2001, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea |
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