GROW IN STRENGTH

 

GROW IN STRENGTH

James 1:4 So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.  NLT

      James here is talking about the testing of faith through the troubles of life. He challenges us to accept with gratitude the trials and troubles of life, for they help make us strong spiritually. We will never learn to lean on Christ and trust Him completely until we walk with Him through life's tough times. Anyone can have faith when things are easy. It's another thing to still have faith in the midst of trying times.

       Endurance is the ability to live by faith for as long as we live. It is trusting in Christ regardless of what life may throw at us. Endurance is not a stagnant faith, it is a growing faith. Endurance comes from keeping our eyes focused on Christ and not circumstances. It is constantly abiding in Christ and never letting go when life isn't easy. Endurance comes from never coasting in faith. It is working out our salvation by seeking the Lord daily and applying to life His Word. It is an active faith in Christ that never takes a vacation.

      Endurance is what makes us. We mature in faith and become the person God desires us to be as we endure. The more we live in faith, the stronger in character we become. We are able to face anything with boldness and confidence through a faith that weathers the storms of life. You will never make it to the end if you buckle underneath life's difficulties and give up. Cling tightly onto Christ in all things, and you will be able to face all things and come through them victoriously. We are in a marathon and not a sprint. Endure in faith and great will be your reward in heaven.