Category: Perseverance

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality

Finding Grace #500

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch photo and picture

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

Hey, hey! This is my 500th “Finding Grace” weekly recap! I am so glad to still be blogging and I am amazed at all God has done in my life over the last decade or so! Thank you for your support and faithfulness in reading!

This week was unusually hot for September and October! However, I will enjoy the heat as long as it lasts, because soon enough it will be quite the opposite! I don’t mind the cold, but it is nice not to have to worry about driving or walking in the ice and snow.

I was a little stressed and perturbed early in the week, but God came through for me. He always does! Everything that I was worried about ended up turning out just fine. Thanks, Lord!

I had an important appointment this week that I had been praying about for weeks. God answered my prayers, and I am really grateful since I was nervous. I have some decisions to make now, but I am excited for the possibilities. (I will share more in the future, assuming I go through with it!) 🙂

Today, Lydia and I served at a special church event. We served in the kids’ ministry and had eleven two-year-olds. I lost track of how many stinky diapers I changed and how many kids I took to the ‘potty!’ But, we had fun and the little ones did so well.  In the evening, we attended a pickleball gathering (my first time!) and had dinner. It was great to get to know our church family better!

**********

These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot

Pasta and Feeling Perturbed

Yesterday, I woke up with a sore neck and spent most of the day trying to stretch or rub the affected area. Periodically, at work, I noticed I was slouching a bit and clenching my jaw, which didn’t help the pain. I tried to correct my posture, of course.

Also, I had a few stressful moments at work and knew I needed to refocus. By the time I got home, I was trying to relax; however, I was still a bit agitated. Lydia then asked me to pick her up from the high school a block away because she was hot, and it was hot outside.

I agreed to pick up Lydia, although she is fully capable of walking to and from school. Still, when I saw her, I was a little annoyed to see that she was wearing sweatpants and Uggs — definitely not a good choice when it is 80+ degrees! Teenagers…  🙂

Free Noodles Pasta photo and picture

I decided to make pasta for dinner, specifically, a box of cavatappi noodles. These are like corkscrews, and I was eager to enjoy them since the shape was kinda fun.

Well, I left the kitchen and asked Lydia to finish the noodles. I expected her to wait until they were fully cooked and then drain them. For whatever reason, she only watched them for a couple of minutes before draining the noodles. Apparently, Lydia likes them still crunchy, but I prefer them softer.

Well, the only way to fix the noodles would have been to reboil them. I didn’t want to do that… I was too hungry and too irked to wait! Lydia could tell I was a little grouchy and apologized several times. I told her it was fine, but that her saying sorry was also “too much,” especially just for pasta.

After dinner, we each went our own ways. I started my blog post (this one!) and she worked on some homework downstairs. About when I got to this point, I went downstairs to check on Lydia. I apologized for my bad attitude, and she again apologized for the undercooked pasta. 🙂

My neck still hurt, but I needed to keep moving forward. I happened to read a little table calendar with a short prayer: “Lord, help me to rest in You, keep a quiet heart, and look forward with hopeful expectation to the things You are working together for good.”

Free Poppy Flower photo and picture

I started to thank God for all the ways He has been moving lately. We’ve had amazing weather, uncharacteristically warm (but not too hot). I’m on top of my winter house preparations list. Lydia has been doing well at school, and work can get crazy, but I appreciate having a good job. We have plenty of food and clothes. I have amazing friends and an awesome family. So, I just need to chill.

I have no reason to stay perturbed for long. If things don’t go my way, it’s not the end of the world. Life is too short not to enjoy it. Thankfully, I was able to get over myself, lol!

On some level, these minor annoyances can also be viewed as a spiritual attack. The enemy only pushes us when we are making progress. When he feels threatened, he tries to trip us up. If I weren’t doing something important, he wouldn’t bother. So, consider this a reminder to check your pride and ego, as well as anything that might hinder your progress. Use God’s armor to remind our enemy of the Victory we already have in Jesus!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for being in my corner. Forgive me for my bad attitude. Help me walk in Your Truth with eyes wide open. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How have you turned a bad attitude around to praise God?

Task: Don’t live by your feelings, but pay attention when you are in a funky mood. Catch it, check it, and change it!

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Words, Worship

Getting Through It with Jesus

The last two weeks have been rather tough. I’ve been very “busy” with a lot going on, not to mention the news has been particularly sad and heavy. It’s exhausting!

I’ve had a lot of individual activities and events to remember. I have been spent time preparing for this very week. Maybe you can relate!

Additionally, I tend to hold stress in my upper back and shoulders, and then it travels upward. So, I’ve had sore muscles and a headache on and off this whole time.

Monday was especially full, with a big presentation at work followed by a full day of seeing patients. After that, I had a training at church and did not get home until 9 p.m. Lydia had an extracurricular activity and walked home afterward, but I didn’t see her until it was bedtime.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes when things get hectic, it’s easy just to want it to be over already. Now, all my activities on Monday were good and I looked forward to them.

But I was also praying I could get through the day and be able to relax. On my walk into work, I said, “Lord, just help me get through everything today.” And as soon as I said that, the thought occurred to me, “I don’t need to get through it, I just need to stay close to Jesus.”

Free Coneflowers Flowers photo and picture

All throughout the day, I had peace. The presentation went really well, and I was very glad that God helped me. I had practiced, of course, but I had revised my slides on Thursday and then we also had company last weekend. So, I was familiar, but maybe not fully comfortable with the content.

I had several patients back-to-back after my presentation and barely ate my lunch. I did not get a full thirty-minute break anywhere, but I had God’s peace and joy as I went about my day. It was a little hectic, but He was with me.

I ran home after work to add air to my tires. The pressure sensor went off while I was driving, but I only had time to check the tires and fix the one that was slightly low. I’ll have to do a more thorough inspection later. Then, I was off to church.

We had a small meal catered in, and I was a little early. But that gave me time to focus and decompress a little. Then, we had a great time of fellowship and learning about spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines. It was dark when I left for home, but I was happy.

On my way there, my check oil light came on. No big deal, lol, I will check that and my tires! I briefly checked in with Lydia before she went to bed, but I still had several things to do to prepare for Tuesday. I prayerfully only did what was most necessary before heading to bed myself.

Free Flower Desert photo and picture

I’m sure you have had days or weeks like mine. You may just be pushing through to get through the day, week, month, or season. It is easy to try to handle everything all on your own. But what if you invite Jesus into the mess? What would that look like and feel like?

Your day may still be a little crazy, but God already knows what you need. He can change your schedule and/or empower you to handle it with grace. Ultimately, God directs your steps anyway. You don’t have to do it all or “get through it” on your own!

**********

Father God, thanks for taking my burdens and replacing them with grace. Thanks for peace, joy, and rest during life’s challenges. Help me trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Have you been resting in Jesus or STRESS-ing out?

Task: Check in with Jesus regularly, and even more when your day is chaotic!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Finding Grace #497

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free Flower Impatiens photo and picture

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was both hectic and heavy, but there was still a bit of joy and grace.

I have had a tension headache for several days, which may, in part, just be related to various stressors. Nothing unusual, just lots of things all at once. Mowing, cleaning, studying, parenting, work, etc. I saw the chiropractor on Monday and am starting to feel a bit better now.

I was saddened and disturbed about Charlie Kirk’s death, and it is awful all around, not to mention the internet comments, which I mostly avoided. While I don’t know that much about him, I can understand the element of grief. It made me want to vomit when I heard the news. I did not watch the actual footage, and I probably never will. Each person has their own perspective, so I don’t need to add my two cents. I will share what one pastor said, however: Grieve. Share Truth boldly. Proclaim Christ. Love. Do not fear. Walk by faith.

We had a new baby girl born this week on our team! We now have two ladies out on maternity leave, and the first one out brought in her adorable 2.5-month-old twin girls. I got to hold one of them, and we made lots of smiley faces at each other. I can’t wait to meet the new little baby sometime, too!

Work itself was busy as usual. I had some time to prepare for a talk I’m giving on Monday. We are shifting things around for coverage, too. I stayed a couple of extra hours on Friday to help out. I’m grateful that God always helps me get things done!

Yesterday, my mother-in-law came to visit! We went shopping and out to eat. We also walked around some flower gardens and did some fall activities. We always have fun when she comes! It should be a relaxing weekend, which is just what I need.

**********

These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

A Few Good Quotes

I usually finish writing my Wednesday post on Tuesday evening, and I usually make it my main priority. But, occasionally, I need to focus on other things. Sometimes, it is just good to take a break and rest. This week has been busy, so it’s a bit of both!

So, for this week’s post, I am keeping it simple. I decided to share a few quotes I have been collecting and just give a few insights and let you mull on them as well! I do not remember all the sources, sorry, but if I find them, I will link them.

The first three are from some excellent sermons on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This is the first in the series, but they have all been good!

Our shield of faith is not just for protection; it is also for advancement. We don’t just hold it up when attacks come, but we can “hide” behind it while taking ground in Jesus’ Name. For me, this is a mental game-changer. It reminds me I have the responsibility to take action.

Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.  Essentially, our enemy’s strategy is to use anything – good or bad – to make us distrust God. (God can use those to bring Him glory and us good.)  So, when we believe God and do what He says, we fight against the lies.

Free Fat Chicken Stonecrop photo and picture

Hope is when your present borrows strength and hope from you future. No matter how grand, the things of this world will always disappoint us. But, Jesus is our Living Hope and our future is secure!

God did not redeem us only to abandon us. I don’t recall the source, but it does remind me of the line, “God did not bring you this far, only to bring you this far.” Lies can creep in and make us doubt God’s love and presence. But, He is with us and for us!

Preach the gospel to yourself daily. Remind yourself that apart from King Jesus, you are dust. Not to be outdone, check out this line, attributed to Jonathan Edwards: “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” Well, that’s enough to keep me humble!

Slow days still count. I have been staying up late to get things done, and as you know, you can’t do that for long without feeling it. For the last week or so, I have felt a little run-down and have been intentionally trying to rest. I took a nap on Sunday and am being kind to myself by ending my post… here. 😉 Thanks for reading!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for giving us wisdom and guidance. May we live out our faith with boldness. Help us to know when to move forward and when to rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Have you heard any other good quotes lately?

Task: Think about the quotes above and how you might apply them to your life. I’d love to know your thoughts!

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom, Worship

Power = Strength + Speed

As a Registered Dietitian, I am required to complete a certain amount of continuing education each year. There are lots of ways to accomplish this, and I often buy a book and test worth a lot of credits all at once.

I’m currently working on a course and book titled “Hold Onto Your Muscle!” by Robert Iafelice, who is also a dietitian. The content is really good so far, and I am able to use the information in my work.

It has taken me months to get through the book because I am being reminded of fascinating things I already learned, or looking up new things I am questioning. Additionally, I am filling out the test as I go, so it takes a little time to read and make sure I understand what is being said and that my answers are correct.

Free ai generated woman success illustration

Sometimes I visit the local bookstore to enjoy a cup of coffee while going through the material. I also did this when writing my book, because it is quiet and helps me stay in one spot (so nothing gets disturbed) without feeling like I need to clean or do chores at home.

Recently, I was in chapter eight and came across the ‘equation’ that power = strength + speed. Now, in context, this was important. But, immediately, I thought about God’s Power. I envisioned His strength and His speed in helping us.

God’s power is renowned in the Bible and throughout history, in various capacities around the world. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are included in how this manifests through us. But God doesn’t really need help from people; He likes to include us!

In Nehemiah 8:10, we read that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We find our rest in Him and all He has done for us. We don’t fight for Victory, we fight from Victory!

Then, in Ephesians 6:10-18, we learn about putting on the full armor of God. Thankfully, there’s no need to fight battles fully exposed!

 God is so powerful that all He has to do is speak, but we also see references to God’s outstretched right arm. I envision God’s power in this way: He is more than able and willing, plus He is quick to help when we call on Him.

“Natalie needs me? Watch out, here I come!”

May be an image of text that says 'BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER EPHESIANS 6:10'

God’s power is best seen when He comes to our defense or aid. Come Hell or high water, there’s nothing He can’t do for us! So, we don’t need to try to do everything on our own. Check in frequently with Him and tell Him what you need. (That’s prayer!)

One example of this is Peter walking on water and then falling into the water. He was brave but faltered and cried for help. Jesus was right there immediately to pull Him out! (At least Peter tried when no one else did. It does not require faith to stay in the boat!)

God always moves when we have faith in Him, and in the New Testament, Jesus mentioned that the people’s unbelief hindered him. We may not fully see what God is up to, and it might take a while to understand. But He will never let us down!

In fact, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us and is at work in us! God is with us and for us. He wants to use us and make us more like Jesus. But, we have to let Him! Let’s be malleable and see what He will do!

***********

Heavenly Father, You are so good. Thanks for always helping us in time of need. May we be in awe of Your power, strength, and speed. Help us trust in You, even when we can’t fully see or understand what You are doing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever envisioned yourself putting on the full armor of God each morning? Would that help you connect more with God’s power and Holy Spirit?

Tasks: Read more about the power of God’s outstretched arm! Find joy in Him today!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom, Worship

Becoming Like Jesus

“I have found that trying to become more like Jesus yields far better results than trying to become a better me.”

I came across the quote above last week on Substack, and it has stuck with me since. (I could not find the original source.) The process of becoming more like Jesus is a work of the Holy Spirit, commonly referred to as sanctification. It is not always fun or easy, but it is really the main work of God in our lives.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to come to Him just as we are; we don’t need to do a bunch of good things to earn His favor (that’s grace). At the same time, He also loves us enough not to leave us the way we are. So, God transforms us into the character likeness of Jesus and makes us holy, as He is holy. (Holy does not mean perfect, but set apart.) He is fitting us for Heaven!

Sanctification occurs when the Holy Spirit checks our heart and prompts us to do something different than we would in our own human power. This might be giving money or a favorite belonging when you’re feeling stingy. This might be biting your tongue instead of letting someone know what’s really on your mind. You know you are on the right track when something doesn’t seem fair, but you listen and follow God’s lead anyway.

Free Mountain National Park photo and picture

Slowly but surely, we start to think and act like Jesus. Our hearts become more aligned with His, and we are able to see things from a Heavenly perspective. The Holy Spirit is patient but diligent. If we make a mistake, no worries, He can convict us and set us straight. He is not condemning, but gracious with us if we are humble and repent (Romans 8:1).

Becoming like Jesus is never time wasted, even if it takes a while to come full circle. Often, we have to lay aside our desires and expectations to serve someone else. We can hold space for God to move when we want to rush ahead. We can submit our ideas and plans and take His on instead. We may not fully see the impact of obedience, but, it is always worth the sacrifice.

We will never be perfect on this side of Heaven, but we will receive an eternal reward if we don’t give up. We don’t have to be right or justified, we just need to follow Jesus.

Sanctification often involves serving other people, which helps refine us. It may include waking early to spend time with the Lord before a busy day at work. It may include tending to the kids and letting your spouse sleep in. Or, maybe it’s praying for that certain person who drives you a little crazy. 🙂

Even recently, I have been learning that I don’t have to figure out what I want to do next in life. I don’t have to worry or try to become a more ‘exciting’ person. This frees me up to let God shine in my life more than my own accomplishments. As John the Baptist said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

**********

God, thanks for saving me and preparing me for Heaven. Change my heart, Lord, and make me like You. Holy Spirit, continue to move in my life. Thanks for not giving up on me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How are you becoming more like Jesus… today, this week, this month, so far this year?

Tasks: Read Romans 8 and also Romans 12. Instead of running after your dreams and goals, submit them to Jesus. Chase after Him and be transformed.

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

A “With Us” God

This week, I am praying and reflecting on the great losses of life and property in recent Texas floods. Natural disasters, like fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes, have also happened, though the Texas floods hit home because Lydia is at camp this week.

In the midst of tragedy, including wars, people tend to ask “Why didn’t God prevent this?” and Where is God in all of this?” I don’t have all the answers, but I have asked those same questions. I am absolutely sure He is right in it with us. He is Emmanuel, God with us, or as someone once said, He is a “with us” God.

God is outside of Time, but He’s right here, too. He can be everywhere all at once. There’s no place He’d rather be than with those He loves.

God is a loving Father who fights for His children. He, too, faced heartbreaking loss when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus could have shunned the cross, but He knew it was the only way. In fact, this was His redemptive plan from before the beginning of Time. So, I don’t know His purposes in Texas, but I know He understands and grieves with us.

Free Poland Castle photo and picture

God is our refuge and shield. He is a safe place, a hiding place. We can run to Him for protection. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. I imagine God holding and carrying the girls from Mystic Camp, along with so many others who were swept into the water. I am praying everyone is found.

God’s delay is not absence or apathy. His timing is just different, and His ways are higher than ours. He is sovereign over the good and bad. (He does not send bad things upon us, but uses them for our eventual good.) We can trust Him even when we can’t see how it all turns out.

Our Heavenly Father helps us deal with fear, and He comforts us in our grief. We, too, are called to mourn with those who mourn; we can pour out all our emotions to Jesus because He cares for us.

As sad as tragedies are, I cannot imagine facing them without Jesus because He is our only Hope. Every day, we are getting closer to when Jesus will come back. One could say things will continue to get worse before they get better…

Nonetheless, our main focus is to stay close to Jesus and keep our eyes on Him. Whatever you are facing today, lean into God’s love, mercy, and grace. He is faithful and good.

**********

Father God, thanks for being with us in the good and bad. Please be with those in Texas who are dealing with the aftermath of the flooding. Give them Your comfort and peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you reconcile life’s tragedies? Do you turn to Jesus or your own insights?

Task: Read Psalm 91. When the unfathomable occurs, bring everything to the Only One who can hold it all together and work it out for your good and His glory. It will take time, and you may never fully understand it, but He can handle all that concerns you.

 

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Travel

Finding Grace #486

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free Dahlias Fall photo and picture

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week felt really busy, as I was exhausted from traveling and evening activities upon our return from Nashville. But, God is faithful and helped me each day!

On Tuesday, I purposely went into work a little late due to our trip. Then, I left early to take Lydia to her last volleyball camp. I also worked on my weekly blog post.

Work was busy as usual, but I managed to keep up with most of my charting. That night, I took Lydia to camp, and my neighbor came to check out my washing machine. It had stopped working before our trip, but that night, it started right up! I decided to run a load after he left, but then the water wouldn’t stop running. It overflowed onto the floor, though I caught it fairly quickly and was able to clean it up!

On Thursday morning, I called an appliance repairman suggested by my neighbor. I hope he is accurate in what he thinks is wrong (based on my description). It will be at least next week until it is fixed, as next Wednesday is the best time for both of our schedules. Thankfully, we have plenty of clothes and can still use the machine with a little finagling. Essentially, I have to manually adjust the dials and monitor the process to prevent overfilling.

Friday was a jam-packed day, but again, God helped it all to flow well. I had a few scheduled patients at work, but only saw one of them, lol. Then, in the afternoon, I made a couple of calls to family before getting my oil changed. After that, Lydia and I mowed the lawn, which had grown quite a bit due to storms while we were gone. It was good to get it done before more rain! I also completed a few maintenance tasks, so it was quite productive!

Today, we continued to knock other chores off my list. I cooked sweet potatoes, cabbage, and cut up some watermelon. Tonight, Lydia is hanging out with a friend. I am relaxing after a long week, just as another storm rolls in. Maybe I will see a rainbow!

**********

These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Microwave Christians

I was reviewing some notes on my phone yesterday and found a few comments I saved for later. These were some things I discussed with my dad in February, when Lydia and I visited my parents one week before my mom died.

We were eating dinner one night at Cracker Barrel. We weren’t too hungry, but I wanted to make sure Dad had something good to eat. He was tired from weeks of being stretched, and we were trying to make sense of the situation. Over biscuits and cornbread, we talked about how we need to lean on God and trust Him during trials.

Dad mentioned how many Jesus followers are “microwave Christians” in that they have no patience and want life to go their way, right away. Ding! But we can’t get by just pressing buttons and hoping for the best. God calls us to go deeper with Him.

Free Marguerite Close Up photo and picture

Then, we compared other kitchen gadgets and how they take a long time to work, but accomplish much more satisfying results. A “pressure cooker Christian” develops an intensity during trials. It’s extreme but yields a tender heart, pliable for doing God’s work. A “rotisserie Christian” may face the same situation repeatedly, always coming back around. But, those trials also serve their purpose: a softened heart understands God’s grace and can nourish others in the Truth.

We could make other parallels, such as a “crockpot Christian” or an “oven-baked Christian.” Haha, maybe not! If anything, these are best seen as we marinate or stew in God’s goodness. In doing so, we let Him have His way in our lives, slowly and steadily waiting for Him.

Also, don’t get me started on a “deep-fat-fryer Christian!” As a Registered Dietitian, I’d recommend an air-fryer and using minimal oil, if any at all! 😉

Looking at this another way, we see that very few things in Nature happen quickly. Mammals tend to have a long gestation period before the baby is born. Flowers take days and weeks to grow leaves and stems before blooming. Trees grow only one ring each year. Good things take time!

Overall, we can see that in trials, we need to settle in for the long haul, becoming all God has for us. As Dad said, “How will you learn to wait upon the Lord, if you don’t ever have to wait upon the Lord? Or, how will you learn to persevere in faith, if your faith is never tested?”

We can’t run away or bypass trials. We can’t just push the “easy button.” With God’s help, we can bear up under the weight of our trials and choose to be cheerful in affliction…

Trials are a guaranteed part of life. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) says, “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.“

I also love James 1:4-5 (NIV), which says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.“

Today, resist acting like a microwave Christian and settle into God’s mercy, grace, and provision. He is faithful and more than able to bring you through… until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19).

**********

God, thanks for being with us in trials. May we grow in perseverance, character, and hope so we can be mature in Christ, lacking nothing. May we yield to the Holy Spirit as He refines us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Which kitchen tool do you identify with the most, based on the explanation above? How can you trust God more as you face trials?

Tasks: Consider how your current circumstances are growing you and making you more like Jesus. Pray for wisdom and strength, and be prepared to dig deep!