Journal entry February 14, 2026

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

Heavenly Father, I am intrigued this morning as to what patience having its perfect work looks like. I see once again that the English language doesn't translate the meaning of this very well. For we often think of patience as passive tolerance.

The reality is the Greek word used in Hebrews 12:1 which encourages us to lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Is the same Greek word which we translate as patience.

So the idea is active perseverance rather than passive tolerance. The image of a runner is not one of resignation but intentionality, enduring pain to reach a pre-established goal. So the believer is encouraged to persevere through trials so we will grow in endurance and determination.

I like that idea as it comes to understanding how James says we are to count it all joy when we fall into various trials. Rather than passively tolerating the trial we can resign to face the trial intentionally, enduring the pain, to reach our pre-established goal. It brings a whole different dynamic to what James is saying as I understand what the trials accomplishes when we face them with that attitude.

Heavenly Father, help us to not sit back and wait for the trial to pass or even pray that You would quickly remove it from us. Help us to push through the trial and ask that we would gain the endurance and the stamina needed to finish the race well. When the hill seems steep, and our side aches, and we can't catch our breath, metaphorically, help us to press on. Enduring the hardship before us knowing that You are conforming us into the likeness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN AMEN.