“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jas 1:4-5).

The trials that we face have a far greater purpose than the aggravation and pain that we often suffer. Isolated from God’s intent, some would think that we had been abandoned to face the giants of perplexity alone. It is when nothing is left but God’s promises that faith is called into action. What we received during those moments when could clearly see Him and experience His blessings must keep us when we enter into the fog. Faith to endure is the patience that must further develop us. We learn to wait on the Lord and not attempt to rush the process. God has more to teach us in these dry cold winter seasons than we could ever learn in the springtime of life. This is when our faith is tested. How would we ever know whether we love God for who He is or merely love Him for what He gives? On the other side of the test is a faith that endures. We can then see Him for who He really is and not just an image of what we  wish Him to be. Faith molds our character that we may become a reflection His own.