Though the bible is filled with some great names and stories, it is filled with even more whose names never even got an honorable mention. They were just as important and SAVED as well. Hmm!
Perseverance! We generally hear about or read of it in reference to those exceptional individuals who overcame a lot of adversity to excel in life (athletes, stars, famous folks, physically disadvantaged, etc.). They speak of the monumental challenges of life they had to overcome (economics, ethnicity, education, physical barriers, etc.) to get to this level. We applaud them and rightly so, but what about the greater number who go about unnoticed. The parents of a special needs child who devote their lives to caring and loving them, or the wife who bravely rears her young children after her husband's untimely death. Or what about the person who continuously works 3 part-time jobs to make ends meet, even after sending out resume #400. I think these are the examples James had in mind in writing James 1:3. The idea of someone 'opting' to remain under hard circumstances rather than run from them, even when there is no promise or hope of a happy ending in this life. Those who consistently choose what's right over what's easy. That's a life of faith - not looking toward 'when will it be over' but looking at what can I do to just 'win the day' for God. Ready to start?
Until tomorrow...
Pastor Botts
"....because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance MUST FINISH its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:3-4
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