Perseverance

November 17|26 Days of Gratitude Series

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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

James reminds believers that God is testing their faith to bring about perseverance through their trials. The word James uses for test is a metalworking term and not like an exam we pass or fail. Metalworkers apply heat to precious metal to refine it by removing any impurities. The process ensures the metal is pure, strong and of the highest quality possible.

In the same way, God uses difficulties in our lives to refine, purify and strengthen our faith. The Apostle Peter uses similar imagery when he too urges believers to rejoice in their trials. “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7). Challenges in life provide the opportunity for God to remove any lingering sin or habits that weaken our faith and grow it into one that endures.

We may face a handful of opportunities where God will grow our endurance through significant challenges that greatly impact our spiritual growth. Enduring a challenging cancer treatment may develop us to point a friend to Jesus in her health crisis. Persevering through long-term toddler tantrums may empower us with endurance for a teenager who tests us in every way. Enduring a long season of unemployment may develop our faith to step into our next meaningful but challenging career assignment. These experiences refine us and build our character when we allow God to work in us through them.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Pray and ask God to help you persevere through current adversity. “God, I’m going through ___________ please give me your perseverance. Help me endure this challenge and deepen my trust in you. Amen.” Write on your 26 DAYS OF GRATITUDE handout one way you see God growing you in this challenge.