Endure the Test

This poem was inspired by the writings of the Epistle of James, in particular these verses:

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(James1:2-4 NKJV)

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When I think of God’s mighty hand,

Having covered my whole life span.

I hear God’s voice ever so clear,

Saying, My son, endure the test.

When I feel God’s piercing eyes,

Having watched me through the skies.

I hear God’s voice ever so near,

Saying, My son, endure the test.

When I consider God’s patient love,

Having embraced me from above.

I hear God’s voice despite my tears,

Saying, My son, endure the test.

Now I am old and gray.

God be pleased, allow me to say,

Your grace and mercy; my life’s display.

Lord, thank you for keeping me amid the test.

And when in my humanity I did fall,

Then remember the greatest test of all.

My heart rejoices, Jesus answered the call,

For me, He endured the cross.

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The thought that pressed on my spirit, derived from James1:2-4 NKJV, was the repeated use of the word endurance. The use of such a word would suggest working through obstacles that would hinder one from completing one's purpose. Several aspects of the verses were thought-provoking to me as they relate to God’s role in the life of the redeemed. Firstly, God allows tests to produce endurance. Apparently, God desires that His people be equipped to endure life's trials patiently. Secondly, knowing that the commitment to grind it out will make us complete. The writer takes what is generally considered negative, which are trials and tribulations, and uses them for our good, in that they produce patience through endurance.

Is this a hard sell? Yes, the truth is that trials, as positive encounters, are a hard sell for most of us, even if they build endurance and even if endurance makes you a more complete person. More often than not, the good is recognized after you overcome the obstacles. Having endured what I considered major trials in life, I found the phrase "the testing of your faith" continued to ring in my heart. Partnering lovingly in marriage, parenting patiently four children, often six, and pastoring the church compassionately while serving a majority of that time under an elderly Senior Pastor, along with trying to provide some care for a widowed mother faithfully, made these tests often overwhelming. What God desired of me was to encounter the trials and endure while He perfects servanthood in me. That should have required a conduct of silence and perseverance. However, even unto this very day, I regret my vocal frustration, which hindered a performance that could have allowed God to have even greater glory through my life. In retrospect, through introspective analysis, each test along life’s journey made me a better disciple of Christ. Not profoundly, but appreciatively, the content of the poem is to encourage others to endure the tests the Lord allows, knowing that He is completing you.

May God’s will be done in your life.