Patience during persecution

Corey,

For the first part of 2010, I am going to be writing letters on the book of James, one of my favorite books of the Bible. James 1:2-3 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” When we face troubles and trials it allows us to grow spiritually. In times of national trials or hardships many people start reading their Bibles. For example, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks the number of Bibles sold shot up. But trials do more than grow our faith, they grow our patience.

James 1:4 says, “Let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Patience is an important virtue to have. Timothy 6:11 says, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.”

James 1:5-6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.” God gives wisdom to us if we ask in faith. Patience and wisdom to understand God’s Word are both good things to have.

The point of this letter is to encourage you to have faith even through trials. We may not know why He allows us to face them, but we know they allow us to grow in Him.

Your BIC,

Nick