Home Tools for your Journey July 1

Wednesday, July 1

Because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
—James 1:3-4

The need to exercise endurance arises when we least expect that we'll need to adhere to its call. Most people have exercised endurance in some form or another, but knowing how to apply the experience of endurance to different circumstances in life is the spiritual challenge.

Sometimes we are left asking ourselves if we really should exercise endurance or display patience, particularly in situations that we've not created. Should we, for example,  practice endurance when wrongful deeds are instigated by others? Imagine the impact on our souls if we offered others the same patience and endurance that God shows us—ev en when we don't deserve it.


In today's uncertain society and ever-changing economy, discerning when endurance is necessary is even more critical. There are so many other emotions that rise quickly to the surface when life is uncertain. When, for example, an employer says,  "We no longer have a position for you in our company, and  because of company stock losses, we will not be offering you a severance package," life feels unsteady and bleak.

This is the time when our faith is tried and our spirit is tested. This is also the time, not only to make mature and wise decisions, but to practice patience and endurance when other emotions are struggling to take precedence. God never leaves us so empty that we cannot take a step forward. Even in the darkest of times, the endurance we show will be blessed by heaven.

Gracious God, allow my heart and my mind to open up so I know when to exercise patience and endure the storms that come my way. Let me trust that in you, I lack nothing.