Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
We don’t usually see it while it’s happening, but God is working out His perfect plan for our lives behind the scenes. Though we want results right now, character development takes time and patience.
The Bible says that patience does a thorough work in our lives. When we wait on God, He makes us fully developed and complete, lacking nothing. I’ve discovered that patience is more than the ability to wait; it is the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. This practical fruit of the Spirit comes from a close relationship with God—it manifests itself in a calm, positive attitude despite the circumstances.
“God’s timing is usually not our timing. We are in a hurry, but God isn’t. He takes time to do things right—He lays a solid foundation before He attempts to build a building. We are God’s building under construction. He is the Master Builder, and He knows what He is doing.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, when I am feeling impatient, help me to remember that Your timing is always perfect! I am relying on Your power and Your guidance, and I will trust You as You bring me to victory. In the name of Jesus, amen.
