The Joy of Patience

        James 1:2-4: “[Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”

       As I reflect over the words of the text I could not help but chuckle to myself that in looking back over the hardships and frustrations many endure with layoffs, under-employment, furloughs and the government shut-down of the past month.  We have all experienced troubled times and probably can testify in accordance with today’s scripture that by now we must have the strength of Sampson. It seems whimsical but indeed these words from the brother of Jesus are so true.  When we realize that all things are orchestrated and under the control of a loving and powerful God; it is not hard to fathom that some of his methodologies to help us grow and progress will involve stretching us in uncomfortable areas.  These may on the surface appear to range from the pesky little reoccurring annoyances that teach us patience to the more tragically burdening difficulties that produce perseverance and fortitude.

      Regardless of what you are going through, REJOICE and again I say REJOICE. It may not be easy to look for the bright side, but do it…it is worth it.  Think on the hardships of Job, it wasn’t until he stopped pondering about his situation and gave prayers over his annoying friends that he received the full recompense for his loss.  So the next time life’s difficulties bear down upon you do not think about ‘why me?’, but glorify God that he trusts you enough, like Job, to be the purveyor of His will.  

      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed patient day!   Be blessed Rev. Dr.  JoAnn