2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4
Persevere with God. Let nothing keep you from finding more and more of Him. The rewards for doing so never cease. His blessings – Who He is – just keep unfolding right before your eyes.
Hard times are “good” for us. What? It’s true. As much as I’ve complained about my health, job situation, and all the rest over the years, God meant those “hard” times for good. He was teaching us that He could “keep” me and to trust in Him with all our heart. We still don’t “trust in Him with all our heart” perfectly, but He’s promised to take us there if I’ll apply His awesome Word to our lives each day. The victory in life is to apply Christ to our lives each day. To win the battle in our minds is the goal. Then, like the Apostle Paul, we will have learned that Jesus can make us content in whatsoever state, or situation, we find ourselves. This is pure joy. Coming to live in His contentment is dwelling in His supernatural rest.
Over time, He’s taught Ann and me something huge. Through it all, He is really teaching us to think of Him first when difficulty tries to discourage us. This is so valuable to us – especially considering where we’ve come from. We experience so much of His great mercy, grace and love for us as we think of Him first when sudden fear knocks on the door of our hearts.
God has been so faithful to show us that our greatest need was Him.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark