Come, Follow Me Insights

“Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work” − +

by Lyndie Jackson

We live in a world of immediate results. Lose weight fast. Get rich quick. Be successful now.

With the constant pressure to have it all immediately, James’s counsel to “let patience have her perfect work” seems a little unreasonable—but I love the promise that follows: “That ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4).

If we have patience, we can be whole, complete, wanting nothing. However, sometimes it’s hard to be patient when trials come upon us. It’s easy to feel that we really do need the answers and the ability to overcome now.

In a letter to his wife Phebe, Wilford Woodruff said,

Should it be our lot to enjoy a long Eternity together in that society where tears are wiped from all faces and sorrow and sighing are known no more, we should not regret having passed through trials here in the flesh. As we are living in this last dispensation and have a great work to do, then should we not act nobly, walk by faith and do our work in patience until we can say it is finished? We are not alone in this great cause. The Heavens are deeply interested in our welfare, our cause, and our work.¹

Although we may pass through trials, sorrow, and afflictions, we can rest assured that all will be made right in the eternities. Because of the experience and blessings we have gained, we will never regret having passed through our trials. Thankfully, we can always be comforted in knowing that our Father in Heaven has a deep interest in our wellbeing and our work. He and so many others are cheering us on.

Elder Holland reinforced this promise when he said, “Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.”²

I have personally seen the evidence that God’s promises are always fulfilled, and I am grateful that, while I desperately need more patience, I have chosen to wait upon the Lord.

May we choose to be patient in an increasingly impatient world so that God can reward us with all the blessings He has in store.

Lyndie is working toward a degree in Public Relations at Brigham Young University. Originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, she enjoys running, spending time with her husband and family, and reading. Lyndie served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hermosillo, Mexico, where she developed a love for the Spanish language and the people there. She was drawn to the Wilford Woodruff Papers out of a desire to learn more about Church history and enjoys being part of the organization’s efforts to touch lives with Wilford Woodruff’s words.