The Work of Patience: Making You Perfect, Complete, and Lacking Nothing
In James 1:4 (NKJV), the apostle James writes:
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
This verse highlights how patience, when fully developed, plays a transformative role in a believer’s life. Furthermore, I truly believe that, from a relationship perspective, God uses our marriages to teach us and train us in the virtue of patience!
Briefly, we will explore how patience leads to perfection, completeness, and the absence of lack.
1. Perfect – Growing in Spiritual Maturity
The word “perfect” in this context refers to spiritual maturity rather than flawlessness. Patience develops a believer’s ability to remain steadfast in faith through trials, leading them to grow closer to the image of Christ.
- Romans 5:3-4:
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Perseverance is another word for patience. You may not like to read this, but the truth is this; “Trials and challenges produce perseverance (patience),” which the Holy Spirit utilises to shape your character. This maturity brings spiritual strength and deepens faith in God’s promises.
- Ephesians 4:13:
“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
The work of the Holy spirit in your life is to get you to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Guess what? Patience enables believers to press on toward the fullness of Christ’s likeness, growing in love, humility, and obedience
2. Complete – Wholeness in Christ
Completeness refers to a state where nothing is missing in our relationship with God. Patience allows believers to endure seasons of waiting, testing, and growth, leading to a fullness in their spiritual journey.
- Colossians 2:10:
“And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Even though we must honour our human relationships but man can never complete you. Our completeness is found in Christ alone. Patience helps us rely on Him for our every need, knowing He fulfils all things in His time.
- Philippians 1:6:
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
I believe in God giving a man divine speed in life and destiny to fulfil His purposes in your life especially when there has been losses or demonic delays in one’s life, but when it comes to the work of the Holy Spirit in you, you cannot speed it up or miss a step with Him. God’s work in us requires time. Through patience, we trust that He will bring us to spiritual wholeness.
3. Lacking Nothing – Living in God’s Sufficiency
To “lack nothing” does not mean having material abundance alone but rather experiencing contentment and sufficiency in God. The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to lead and guide you into sufficiency in Him, in His word, and in His will. As a result, other areas of your life will also experience His sufficiency.
Patience teaches believers to trust God’s provision and timing, leading to a life free from spiritual lack.
- 2 Corinthians 3:5:
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.”
This verse beautifully highlights that our ability and worth come from God, not from our own efforts. Therefore, the work of patience through the Holy Spirit in your life is to make you humble enough to acknowledge and recognise that no matter your state in life now that your sufficiency is from God.
- Psalm 23:1:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
With the Lord as our shepherd, patience helps us recognise that He provides for every need, leaving us content and lacking nothing.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’”
Even in moments of struggle, patience reminds us that God’s grace is enough, and His power is at work within us.
Conclusion
Patience is a vital tool in the life of a believer who intends to progress spiritually in God’s kingdom, shaping them into mature, whole, and content followers of Christ. By allowing patience to complete its work, believers become “perfect and complete, lacking nothing”—fully equipped to live out God’s purpose in their lives.
God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Father, deliver me from impatience in waiting on Your timing and impatience in the way I handle my human relationships, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
