James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh . But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote, “Count it all joy when” you enter into different temptations (allurements and attractions) – the things that you cannot see coming yet disrupt your journey and the handling of your life. NASCAR has a term for this, and it is called “dirty air.”
Dirty air is an aerodynamic term for the turbulent air currents caused by fast-moving cars that can cause a particular car to lose control or find difficulty in passing.
This is when all those practice laps and hours in the driver’s seat kicks in. One quick move or wrong response can send a driver hurling into the infield or into the wall, taking them out of the race.
Nowhere did Scripture tell you that you would not hit dirty air and have turbulence from situations around you. What Scripture has declared is there is a way to handle life when the air gets dirty. In Hebrews 11:1, Paul told the Hebrew church to, “Lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Understand this: The turbulence around you can only be overcome by having the right setup in your life. Lighten your load, adjust your handling by getting rid of sin, and be patient. James said patience will have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
When you feel the air get dirty around you, be patient. Don’t react. Slow down and respond patiently. Watch God settle your life down that you may win the race.
Our prayer for you this week: May you learn to be patient, overcoming the dirty air that life throws your way.
