Blessings For Endurance

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

THREE-YEAR-OLD TYLER IS not very patient. He gets frustrated when he has to wait. Sometimes as the frustration builds, he behaves in inappropriate ways. And that just gets him into trouble.

Over and over again, Tyler’s parents try to teach him to be patient, to endure the slowness of certain aspects of life, so he won’t get frustrated and throw a temper tantrum. Some days, though, they wonder if Tyler, in his immaturity, will ever learn.

We adults at times don’t seem to make a lot more progress than Tyler. Patience isn’t easy for any of us. Especially when we’re enduring the tough stuff of life. We just want it to be over . . . now! We want God to answer all our prayers with smooth sailing and clear guidance, and on our timetable.

Even though we’re Christians, life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. No matter what spiritual maturity level we’ve achieved, sometimes we still have to relearn and practice how to be patient. We just have to wait and cling to God, trusting and obeying him until the ordeals, in his timing, are over.

But while we’re enduring, we can remember God’s promise to us: he will bless us when we patiently endure the trials. Patience doesn’t come from us; it’s a gift of the Spirit.

So when the going gets tough, the tough Christian remembers God’s promise of an eventual crown of glory. It’s worth waiting patiently for such a great reward!