Jan 29 – Perfect Patience!

“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4).

If you are perfected in patience, you will be perfect and complete and not lack anything – this is the promise of God. A little boy found a cocoon of a butterfly. After a few days, the caterpillar transformed into a butterfly and was trying to emerge out of the pupa. The process of emerging out of the pupa is not simple, but a long process where it has to endure with patience for a long time.

While the butterfly had the endurance to go through the long and arduous process, the little boy did not have the patience. So, he took out a blade and cut the edge of the pupa, to gently release the butterfly. But unfortunately, the butterfly could not fly as the weight of its body was pulling it down. Finally, it was dragged up by the ants.

The father of the little boy later told him, as to how every effort endured by the butterfly actually strengthens its tissues and veins. He also explained how the struggle of the butterfly to come out of the pupa, really helps in its development, to reduce its body weight and makes it possible for flying. And about God’s wonderful plan for perfecting through patient endurance.

Patience will have its perfect work in you, and will help you walk with Christ in the most high places. Patience is important for you to progress in your spiritual life. Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit. And God desires that fruit in you. Longsuffering will bring eternal blessings in your life.

There was a family in Bethany, which was dear to our Lord Jesus. When Lazarus from that family became very sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus, saying: “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” They expected Jesus to come at once and heal Lazarus from sickness. But the sickness only became more serious, and all hope of his survival was lost. And finally, Lazarus succumbed to the sickness and died. Even at that time, his sisters thought Jesus will at least turn up for the burial service of Lazarus. But Jesus did not turn up.

But Jesus came to Bethany after four long days, and immediately thereafter brought Lazarus back to life. That patience and delay helped glorify the Name of the Lord. Christ was also glorified. Children of God, be patient and endure all the sufferings and trials. Even when things seem to delay, preserve your patience. And God will definitely perform a miracle in your life. Endure with patience.

Verse for further meditation: “with longsuffering, bear with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2)