Let Patience Have Its Perfect Work

by Terry Wane Benton

James not only was inspired to tell us how to consider our trials, but also commands that we "let patience have its perfect work" (James 1:4), "that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

So, what does all of this mean?

• "Let" means to allow, give something a fair chance to happen.
• "Let patience" means to allow a tough, durable, or enduring spirit to envelop your mind, heart, or attitude.
• "Let patience have its perfect work" means that patience is the key to getting the job done, the work that God wants to do in you.

He is a potter, molding you or sculpting you from the inside. You must "let" it happen! Quitters do not let patience do the work that perfects you. The goal God has in mind is to mold you through the trials into a fine masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). That is a perfecting process going on, which involves growth in maturity or completion, the final product.

When we count our trials "all joy" (James 1:2) because we know the process has a maturation and a point when nothing is lacking, we are letting the potter do His intended work. Now, I am sure most of us can see the process has been at work in our past, and now is not the time to act, as we have already been perfected. We should know better than that! God will determine when we have been perfected and completed.

Right now, our job is to "let patience have its perfect work." You must not throw away your patience. It is way too soon to become impatient!

Press on, my brethren!