Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)
Amazing!
Motivating Monday! My life is forever changed. I never knew Seattle, Washington…tucked up in the NW corner of America would be so amazing. Interesting how imaginary blinders keep us comfortable in our own little worlds. I feel like a little bean seed next to a giant bean stalk, when considering all Jesus has for us to see and experience. It all begins with perseverance. Let’s be truthful, in the beginning we never find joy when tested with perseverance.
Landscapes
As soon as our plane landed in Portland, Oregon, we were wowed by such a rich deep green landscape. Beautiful landscapes do not come without much perseverance from all living in this area. Now with us set to have three days of sunshine while visiting, this is quite opposite of the normal rate of rain. Folks here adjust to living with higher amounts of rainfall in order to live amongst God’s beautiful designed landscapes. There’s always a test- for many, daily rain could be hard to accept. However, knowing how the mid-west handles hot summer temps, we’re used to seeing yards and fields burnt, in need of water.
Perseverance
While desert conditions can be spiritually draining, God will never forsake or let us go. These tests develop perseverance. Through many kinds of trials we all face, I know without a doubt, God is developing good within. Gaining maturity comes through hard work. Perseverance is key to overcoming- learning not to react to previous irritants. Just as residents in the state of Oregon and Washington have to adjust to on-going rain- rain turns out to be a good thing, preparing the landscape to shine. God wants us to shine- we are lights for a darkening world to see. If you live in the coastal area of these states or have visited, it’s easy for us to be wowed. Although, we note your perseverance as rain comes most days, knowing it takes this amount of rain to produce such a rich green landscape. Same for us spiritually, perseverance is key to becoming mature and complete, not lacking any good thing. This my friend- pure joy!
Be encouraged!
Vicki is a bold proclaimer of truth that will set people free from deception. Her topics include, "Breaking a Spirit of Fear," "Rebuilding a child's broken spirit," and "Christian maturity, experiencing more of God."
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