Patience Under Trials

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, patience often seems like a scarce commodity. Yet, it is during times of trials and tribulations that the true essence of patience shines through. James 1:3-4 reminds us of the importance of patience under trials, stating, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely about enduring hardships with gritted teeth and clenched fists but rather about having a spirit of perfect calmness and steadfastness amidst life’s storms. As the quote from “Our High Calling” beautifully illustrates,

“Patience under trials will keep us from saying and doing those things which will injure our own souls and injure those with whom we associate. Let your trials be what they will, nothing can seriously injure you if you exercise patience, if you are calm and unexcited when in trying positions....” OHC 70.2.

So, patience under trials serves as a safeguard for our souls, preventing us from uttering words or committing actions that may harm ourselves or those around us.

Truly, practicing patience is quite challenging, particularly when encountering difficult circumstances. Yet, it is precisely during these trying times that our patience is tested and refined. Ellen G. White reminds us that patience must be allowed to have its perfect work. It is through patient endurance that we become spiritually mature, lacking nothing essential for our growth and development. “Patience must have its perfect work or we cannot be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Troubles and afflictions are appointed unto us, and shall we bear them all patiently or shall we make everything bitter by our complaining?” OHC 70.5

In the face of troubles and afflictions, we are presented with a choice: to succumb to despair and bitterness or to embrace patience and trust in God’s providence. As the quote aptly states, troubles and afflictions are appointed unto us, but it is our response to these challenges that ultimately shapes our character and destiny. For it is through patient endurance that we become perfected and complete, lacking nothing essential for our journey of faith.

So, let us heed the call to patience under trials. Most of all, let us invite the Holy Spirit to live in us so we will have patience under trials and difficulties.