Read James 1

“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4)

Patience. It is one of the most obvious qualities you can observe in the life of an individual, whether they have it or not. The true test of patience always comes with a hardy trial and the testing of faith (see James 1:2-3). I’m sure we have all grown up hearing at some point the famous phrase, “Patience is a virtue." Most who quote this don't realize they are affirming a biblical principle that is really quite extraordinary.

But what the world does not understand is that patience is so much more than a virtue. It does not just sit on a shelf for anyone to lay ahold of. Our godless world has shown time and time again that they don’t know a lick about it — not really. According to Scripture, patience is a heavenly birthright given to each and every Christian, and it is meant to train us up. Furthermore, it comes directly from the nature of our Heavenly Father, who Himself acts in patience with all mankind.

“The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:8–9)

In the original Greek language, patience is a compound word made of up two different words put together. The first part of the word means under and the second part means to abide or to dwell. Together, it means more literally, to dwell under. It is meant to carry the idea of not running from a circumstance, but instead choosing to dwell under the circumstance. It is here that we better come to understand patience in its true form, and realize that what the Apostle James has to say carries extraordinary significance.

We may take the liberty to translate our verse as follows —

“But let [dwelling under your circumstances] have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4)

There is not a single circumstance in your life that God does not plan to use! Some of us, no doubt, are enduring great trials and conflicts. Others of us are living through afflictions and thorns of the flesh, as Paul did. While others of us may be on the run, like Jonah, because we refused to let patience have its work in our lives.

Have you forgotten what the Word of God declares?

“All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Beloved, there is not a single thing in your life that God will let go to waste! Our good Lord uses everything to train us and produce spiritual fruit in our lives (see Hebrews 12:11). As a good friend of mine once told me, "God never works backwards."

Nevertheless, we must beware of ourselves, for we can stunt our own growth through murmuring rather than praising; through complaining rather than praying; and by running from trials rather than patiently enduring them. We must let patience have its perfect work in our lives. It is only here that we can "count it all joy" as James commands (see James 1:2).

Dear friend — there is no shame in asking God to take that thorn out of your side. Paul did so, even three times (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). But it was only when Paul realized that he was called to patiently endure the thorn of his afflictions that he learned something about the grace of God he would never trade!

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Whatever the circumstance, let God be the one to pull you out of the miry clay. But until then, pray that you may be patient. This godly virtue is empowering you for something greater still!

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 1:6–7)

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