PERSEVERENCE & ENDURANCE - THE BEST OPTION

“Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way. Consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect, complete, needing nothing.”  James 1:2-4

On Saturday morning, I went for my walk with the dogs. I would like say it was nice and refreshing, a time of communion with God, like I used to have when I took my walks in the bush in Bundaberg. But trying to keep two little dogs who just wanted to run under control was my first challenge, but last time I left them behind they cried and woke their `father’ up.

My second challenge was trying to enjoy my walk – because my psychologist said it was supposed to be good for me.  I do love walking, but even early in the morning this Queensland heat gets to me. On Wednesday I walk to Nerang Primary School where I am volunteering and by the time I get there, I am so hot and bothered, my feet hurt and I am in tears. I can’t concentrate on what the children are doing and I keep looking at the clock.

To get to the school, I have to backtrack to go forward, because there is something called the Nerang River in my way.  I have wanted to find an easier route but have discovered there isn’t one.

My life at the moment seems to be made up of lots of `backtracking’, just when I think I am going forward.  As I am making steps into the `big wide world’ again – my anxiety and panic attacks start up again. I thought I might find an easier way out – the QUITING OPTION – THE RUNNING AWAY.

But I’ve learnt from experience, this option usually ends up with more hardship and strife. 

So I think I’ll take James’ advice:

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

I’ll keep PERSEVERING – for one thing I have learnt in my  40 years as a child of God, and in our study of James, is that GOD LOVES US, GOD IS SOVEREIGN AND HE HAS A PLAN FOR OUR LIVES.

In the little book that we have been studying at Bible Study  “Stretch My Faith Lord”, the Author, Juanita Purcell often writes little words of wisdom that I have highlighted along the way:

“If we are to grow, we need to have the right attitude in our trials”

“If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be `able to count it all a joy’. 

If we live only for the present and forget the future, then trials will make us bitter, not better.”

“God is thinking of perfecting people for glory rather than protecting people from unpleasantness.  In fact, he may use the unpleasantness as a lesson to lead us further in our relationship with Him.”

And this is my favourite:

“Lord will these pains and trials never end? Just when I think it’s over, another you send. You know my heart, how it hurts so bad. I’m trying to smile, but I feel so bad. What from these trials do you want me to know? Oh, I remember, you want me to grow. Yes, more like Jesus, you want me to be. That’s the plan you have in mind for me. So keep on chipping and banging away; Don’t stop till you’ve finished, no matter what I say.”

I like to finish, and I will finish I promise with just a personal promise that God has given me this week, and I hope will be an encouragement to you – one a Bible verse, and another a song – but I promise not to sing.

 “God is faithful. He will never let you be tested beyond more than you can stand, and when you are tested, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13b

“God will never let you down. He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit. He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13b  (Message)

NEVER ONCE – Matt Redman, Jason Ingram & Tim Wanstall

Standing on the mountain top                                                                                 Looking just how far we’ve come.                                                              

Knowing that for every step.                                                                       

You were with us.

Kneeling on this battle field                                                                                   Seeing just how much you’ve done.                                                             

Knowing every victory                                                                                 

  Is your power in us.

Scars and struggles on the way                                                                              

But with joy our hearts can say                                                                          

Yes, our hearts can say,                                                                               

Never once did we ever walk alone.                                                               

Never once did you leave us on our own.                                                         

You are faithful God, you are faithful.

Carried by your constant grace                                                                              

Held within your perfect peace                                                                           

Never once, no, we never walk alone.                                                           

Never once did you leave us on our own.                                                        

You are faithful God, you are faithful.