READ: Heb. 11:8-17
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:4
Abraham showed a remarkable example of perseverance in faith through trials. This was evident right from his calling out of Ur. He was asked to leave his parents and extended family behind. Only his wife and nephew Lot went with him to the unknown land of Canaan. The Bible mentions this in several places.
Abraham received rich promises, but he had to wait a very long time for their fulfillment. When he and Sarah were already old, he was commanded to sacrifice his only son of promise. With this, the Lord tested Abraham once again on the genuineness of his faith.
It was a very severe test. Abraham could have doubted or blamed the Lord for asking the impossible of him. Yet, Abraham endured this trial. He showed true faith once again—the faith that the Lord had given him.
In the same way, the Lord still tests His children today to see if they truly expect everything from Him and do not doubt.
Satan wants us to give up our faith, but the Lord wants the perseverance of our faith to be fully effective. He wants the Spirit to lead us from strength to strength (Ps. 84:8; Is. 40:29,31; Rom. 15:3; 2 Thess. 3:3; Eph. 3:16,17,20).
James writes in verse 4: “that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” The Lord wants to work on the growth of our faith, making it develop deeper roots. Then, the worries of the world and all other trials will not choke our faith, and we will be able to endure them. To be perfect here means to be mature, to be fully grown.
The ultimate goal of the trials will only be reached on the last day. Until then, will we not continually strive toward perfection in our lives, toward being blameless? That is surely our desire as God’s children, who are led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14). Thus, there are always more trials that come to further purify and sanctify us.
How can we contribute to that growth?
Sing: Ps. 55:7