P E R S E V E R A N C E

James 1:2-4

What is the most difficult part of the game for you to endure?  Is it the long bus trips?  Maybe it’s the double sessions of practice in preseason?  What is the final outcome of persevering through these trying times?  What benefit could possibly come from such painful, hard work?

In his letter to his friends at chapter 1 and verses 2 through 4, the Apostle James tells us about such trials, “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.”

The great promise of this passage is that the various trials produce patience or endurance in our lives.  Just like conditioning produces endurance in our bodies, trials and tough times produce patience in our souls and endurance in our character.

When we can push through the tough times, like losing streaks, injuries and bench-sitting, we will find that we are more complete and better able to deal with life’s bigger issues.  We’re catching onto this idea well when we see the trial coming and can welcome it as a friend, rather than cursing it as an enemy.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 20:19-23
Revelation 19
Job 40
Zechariah 1-5