Perseverance

James 1:2-4 (New International Version)

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Perseverance is the fruit of what your faith knows to be true about you. You cannot buy perseverance over the counter, neither do you inherit perseverance; it comes no other way. Perseverance in your faith, to be convinced about your true identity and oneness with God, is your link to the most sought-after quality: a life-experience beyond lack. A test or temptation in this context means anything that makes you feel imperfect, incomplete and in lack; anything that would challenge your conviction that Christ is in you.

Remember, God tests no one; there is no hidden agenda with God, no shadow of inconsistency or change of mind. God is convinced about you. His mind is made up about you. His opinion of you is not subject to your passing or failing a test. He is in no need to still experiment with you before He finally approves of you.

Thoughts For Life - Francois du Toit