Joy + Patience = Peace
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4 NIV
At first read, one might think, “How do I find pure joy in a struggle?” Struggles are not at all fun or inviting, yet they do serve a purpose when they come.
After Jesus was baptized, He was led into the desert to be tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus taught us when we overcome our fears in the wilderness of the heart, we can overcome life’s trials. The internal battle for peace causes external battles to be won. Jesus left the wilderness and returned to the city full of the power of the Spirit, the One Who led Him into the wilderness in the first place. He was so impactful, people were talking about Him and His accomplishments (Luke 4:14).
One night in prayer, I was wrestling with a challenge that I could not see how to pray. I could not see the end result to pursue. Admittedly, It was frustrating until I heard the Lord’s clear small voice, “Can you trust Me even when you don’t know the outcome?” I. Was. Wrecked. As much as I wanted to say yes, I knew I was not there. For me, this realization is where the wrestle began to let patience, perseverance, steadfastness, and calmness work on me. To trust God for the outcomes means I yield my control to Him in every thought, word, and action to bring about His desire in me and through me to others.
"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV
We rejoice in knowing the internal result of the trial is maturity and peace, no matter the external outcome.
As you take a thoughtful journey about patience to master it, know that your Heavenly Father sees you, knows your struggles and challenges, and will always be with you to see you through them to complete wholeness—peace.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I need your grace to be steadfast in patience in my inner man. Instead of struggling with worrying and unrest, I want to experience peace through challenges beyond my understanding that only comes from You. Lord, I yield my life to You. I yield my plans and desires to You. When I go through trials, I choose to rejoice, knowing that You have caused me to be more than a conqueror through Your love. Father, you have given me love, power, and self-control by Your Spirit. Through Christ, I will be patient in action and in my heart because I know You love me and empower me to do more than I could even ask or think. As a result, great will b be mature and full of peace with no lack. Thank You, Father, for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
