‘Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.’ James 1:4 NKJV

Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t, or that God has changed His mind. While you are waiting—God is working. The timing may not yet be right for Him to get the ultimate glory and you the ultimate benefit. That’s why James writes: ‘Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.’ Impatience is a sign of immaturity. Have you noticed that children can’t wait for anything? But a wise parent knows what’s best. God sets His watch to accomplish His purpose, not ours. Paul writes: ‘We know that all things work…according to His purpose.’ (See Romans 8:28). When you clearly understand God’s purpose you won’t permit things that are contrary to it, including hurry and worry. You’ll also know how to spend your time, your effort and your money—where to go and where not to go.

God says, ‘I make known the end from the beginning.’ (Isaiah 46:10 NIV) First God sets the goal, then He determines the steps that lead to it. And what are we supposed to do while we are waiting? Listen: ‘Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.’ (Habakkuk 3:17–18 NIV)

Begin praising the Lord today for what He’s going to do for you—because He absolutely will come through for you!

SoulFood: Lev 8–10, Matt 27:33–44, Ps 49, Pro 10:1–2

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©