Short and sweet thought for the week…
Today’s trial is tomorrow’s testimony, but only if we persevere.
God never promised the Christian life would be free of hardships, temptations, sorrow, or suffering. In fact, we are told to expect them (1 Peter 4:12). Our Christian maturity rests in how we handle such things when they come our way. The key is perseverance.
Perseverance is not just a matter of enduring trials, but remaining steadfast and committed to God in the midst of them. It means not giving up. It means being faithful to the end, even when it’s hard and takes time. This is almost a foreign concept in a society that wants quick fixes and instant solutions. However, God will not be rushed because our spiritual growth depends on His loving attention to the details in our lives and His perfect timing.
There is no way to become a mature Christian without perseverance, and no one has ever persevered without a certain amount of discomfort or pain. It really is a matter of no pain, no gain. So, rather than always looking for a quick escape from our trials, we might want to look for what God wants us to learn.
Remember that today’s trial is tomorrow’s testimony, but only if we persevere.
“You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by
the Lord, that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” ~James 5:11
