Our current memory verse is James 1:2-4:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I read this in the King James version and noticed a change in the wording:
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 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.
This version has been speaking to me lately, mainly because God’s been telling me to wait on making a few decisions, and as more problems in factors that influence this descision arise, I’m getting restless and tempted to make the decision instead of waiting for more direction from God.
I find it interesting that one version uses perseverance instead of patience. The words are quite similar, though patience is a less “active” word than perseverance.
According to the dictionary, perseverance means “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement”. Patience means “an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay”, which describes my situation very clearly.
Sometimes faith looks like taking a step forward, and other times, it looks like waiting on the Lord. In whichever situation you are in, may it grow and mature you to get a little closer to being perfect and complete, lacking nothing.