pursuing patience.

Gods’ Supernatural work. God begins the supernatural work of transforming us, His children, into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, who was and is perfect. (See Romans 8:29.) As we mature in our faith, God uses tests and trials to develop our character and ministry.

James 1:2-4 James is referring to the ability to view a test from God’s perspective. 2 Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations (tests)? Then be happy,    3 for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. ~

James 1:13-15 The Difference Between Temptation and Sin. 13 And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. 14 Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. 15 These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God. 16 So don’t be misled, dear brothers. God tests or tries a believers’ FAITH, but He does not tempt anyone into sin. 

What is God’s desire for Christians? Clay vessels after being through the furnace were stamped with the word “Dokimos” – seal of approval. God’s desire is to help the clay vessels made in His image to mature in the furnace of trials without a crack – to have the seal of approval ~

PATIENCE. and that is to teach us…. God’s fiery furnace of trials has a purpose for every Christian! and that is to teach us…. PATIENCE.

why are trials that lead to patience so important? Because: a man who masters patience, masters everything else.

Patience is therefore not optional for the Christian.

mans’ attitude towards patience. Most of us recognize that patience is one of the cardinal Christian virtues—we’re just in no hurry to obtain it. Others just define patience as a delay in getting what we want. ~

and be joyful at the same time! ~ James 1:2 – 4 tells us that to obtain the rewards of patience, we need a radical approach when dealing with trials. We must allow them and be joyful at the same time! ~

Mans’ perspective of Gods’ trials: God is punishing me. Lord, please just take this problem away. They cause me to be depressed. They cause me to be angry. I won’t talk to God until He takes them away. God no longer loves me. Why does God allow trouble to happen to good people? ~

God’s Perspective of trials. God has to prepare His children for the future. God wants us to become more dependent on Him. God could be protecting us from a bigger problem that we don’t see coming. They help us grow as believers and become more like Christ. They help build our faith in the Lord. Trials give us a greater reward in Heaven.

Our Responsibility Give thanks. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Rejoice! “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Thanking God is an act of the will, but rejoicing is a response of the spirit. Believe and act on the Word of God. Use Gods’ word to proclaim the truth. Cry out to God. In Psalm 50:15 we are told, “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

Examples of Impatience. An impatient Christian is a powerful weapon in Satan’s hands.   Abraham’s impatience led to the birth of Ishmael and other problems.  Moses’ impatience robbed him of the Promised Land. Saul, in his impatience, disobeyed God and took upon himself the task of offering sacrifices to God without Samuel, which cost him his position as king of Israel  The Prodigal Son wanted his inheritance now which ultimately ended up in him not regaining it.

For Christians, patience is not optional because………. Patience shows who is a true Christian that received good seed. Patience shows strength in persecution. Patience is one ingredient that shows the love of God in our hearts along with hope. Patience that brings hope, also described as salvation, is also a main ingredient in prayer. Patience is a trait of those that walk worthy of the Lord. Patience is the greatest sign of the trying of faith by temptation, it makes us perfect and complete.

Aren't Christians Supposed to be without troubles? Troubles are not a case of “if they come along”……they will come along. Tests should be seen as servants that bring about the circumstances needed to help us grow. ~

Trials are then the main ingredient for patience Patience Cake Main Ingredients Flavouring Ingredients Joy Trials Don’t leave out any ingredient. Seek Gods’ Wisdom

If we are impatient We are incomplete Christians. We help God speed things up. We do not believe that God is in control. We do not understand God’s love. God will let us have our own way. And, when we get what we want, we don’t want what we get.~

pursuing patience Does the thought of pursing patience bring about shouts of joy and excitement in your life? Paul makes it clear that not only are we supposed to desire patience, we're are to pursue it (1 Timothy 6:11). But when we chase patience, it pleases God. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:1-2: "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.“ ~

finally When you find yourself in God’s waiting room—and you will……. just be trusting, and patient and persevering.  Patience is the result of a life submitted to God’s will. The stamp of approval – Dokimos ~