Without test we can reap no rewards

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. – James 1:2-4

Today, the Lord’s word for us is our Faith gets us patience and our patience in the Lord begets Perfection. Unheard prayers and unfulfilled promises are due to faithlessness in God and the failure to adhere to faith. Remember faith is the essence to lead and live a Good Spiritual life. Faith and belief are the main ingredients that constitute a good spiritual life. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him”. (Heb 11:6). What happens if our lives shape up based on the desires of our heart? We certainly would forget God and will miserably fail to lead a spiritual Life . This would also account for the erosion of our faith in god and we may not walk according to the word of God and would certainly lead a sinful and a self- centered Life . When there is a delay in the fulfillment of God’s Promises in our lives we conclude that God’s spiritual presence and blessings exist no more with us. On the contrary when we stand steadfast in our faith and wait for the lord with total patience we will never be selfish or self centered but will certainly vest all our trust in God. We will trust in God, we will love God and we will also grow in faith. When things get delayed, it’s a good opportunity for us to express our faith in God. Thus we need patience Patience is required at all situations to get the promises of God fulfilled in our lives. Patience makes us firm up our belief and faith in the Lord. The Lord says "I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants." And so he obtained the promise, because he patiently waited for it. (Heb 6:14-15) But we want each of you to continue to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to give full assurance to your hope. (Heb 6:11).

When we experience certain delays in the fulfillment of God’s promise and when we witness delays in God answering our prayers remember we are put to test. Without test we can reap no rewards. It is a test for our Faith and Patience. God never allows such tests to prevail over us. God’s desire is we overcome all tests. Because we know that the testing of our faith produces endurance.(James 1:3) In the test we pass through, God expects that we overcome it through our patience and faith in him. We expect immediate victory in our test. So we run out of patience. Till we receive answer to our prayers and see the fulfillment of word of God in the midst of testing circumstances we must be patient and trust in God and walk according to the word of God and have faith in God. This is what God desires about us. To have victory over the test we have to pass through certain sufferings and opposition. Till we get victory, till we receive patience, God will not take us out of our problems. Be patient have faith in God and endure all things and overcome everything. “ Looking off to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Think about the one who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you may not become tired and give up”. (Heb 12:2-3). If we trust in God, delays will never be our problem. The Lord will never forsake us and we will never put to shame. We certainly will receive answers to all your prayers and petitions.

“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance”. - 2 Peter 3:9