…for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. –James 1:3
Earlier this summer I went to a Middle School Camp with a couple of boys from my church. I heard that the camp had a fun little boat ride, so I talked the boys into riding it with me. What I was envisioning was a little raft wherein you ride around in a pleasant, peaceful tour of the lake. What I got was a total shock – hold on for dear life! It was awkward, too, because the handgrips were behind your body. So the force of the boat was constantly pulling you away from the wall while your arms tried as hard as possible not to let go. My muscles ached for days afterward!
Yesterday I wrote about how we all face storms in life, but the good news of today is that our storms aren’t without purpose. We all know from the storms of our past that life’s challenges draw us into a deeper trust relationship with our heavenly Father. The result is steadfastness or perseverance. Steadfastness is the ability to hold on tight even when things are hard; it’s the recognition that God hasn’t abandoned you even though it feels as though His presence is gone.
God’s desire is that we trust Him more and more every day. In fact, all throughout the Bible we see people rewarded for their acts of trust. Remember in your storm that God’s there and that He cares. He hasn’t abandoned you; He wants you to remember that these trials remind us that we can trust Him no matter what.
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