Let patience have her perfect work
By Yuri Solomon

Hen watches as her egg hatches

"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 K.J.V)

We often overlook the fact that temptation and patience are opposites. Temptation is demanding immediate gratification of a desire; patience is but to except God's delay. Yet temptation is set as a handmaid to the godly mind identifying the need for patience in the tempted area.

Paul says on another occasion, "the resisting of temptation builds character" (Romans 5:4). It is no different than weight-lifting or resistance training as an athlete. The heavy lifting of maintaining a Christ-like disposition creates spiritual muscle.

Temptation masquerades as a short-cut to a legitimate desire. The answer to temptation is patience. A little patience will beget more patience for a greater blessing. Yet patience is not waiting in a vacuum; rather, it is preoccupied with both theology and prayer; that is, studying God's ways and acquiring His wisdom. For what God desires to give you in all things is Himself, and that through patience.

Realize there are no short-cuts, and let patience have her perfect work.

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew. Francis de Sales

Yuri Solomon holds degrees from Gospel Ministry Outreach Theological Institute and the College of Biblical Studies. He is author of the book Biblical Masculinity. More info @ www.wordtalkonline.org

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS