I Will Wait

James 1:1 Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Isa 30:18 ...He will be exalted that he may have mercy on you, for the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for Him.

God has the power to prevent trials, temptations and suffering, so why does He allow it? James reminds us our various trials lead to maturity and wholeness which lead to life. Having God's perspective changes how we react or respond to our circumstances. We learn obedience, humility and love, these aren't traits we're born with. Adam and Eve hadn't developed these yet, and failed the testing of their faith, as I have, over and over again. I'm so thankful I live under incredible grace, purchased by the blood of Christ, and I abide in His love and count on His mercy to sustain and deliver me.

"Counting my trials as Joy" isn't an emotional reaction, but a deliberate intelligent appraisal of the the situation from God's perspective (Jack Hayford). God is proving my genuiness, pruning and purging that which is false and producing obedience, maturity and love in me. Patience isn't a passive resignation, but a positive stefastness that endures. Patience waits for God!

In remembering some of my greatest trials, temptations and suffering I think of the times I failed to wait for you, and the destruction and even greater pain that followed. Thank you Jesus, that you suffered and endured in obedience for the joy that was set before You. You have proven time and again that you work in and through my circumstances and I will wait...with patience...knowing you are doing something BIG!