Perseverance

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” - James 1:2-3

Nothing will test faith like the trials or problems that come our way.  Our first reaction to a problem is to handle things our own way, through our own capabilities and powers.  If a problem comes our way that we can handle then we don't really need God.  Many situations that come our way, however, are bigger than we are.  When the problem is bigger than we are, then that is the very time we need to claim God and hold on with perseverance and patience for things to work out in God's time, on God's larger time scale.  Supreme difficulties may suggest we are part of something eternal in nature and if so, then only God can carry us through it.  It can be reassuring in fact, to realize we are standing in an eternal time line that transcends us.  God is the only one in control of the eternal!

Prayer:

Eternal God carry us through this day.  Remind us that we are part of a bigger time line, this day being just one of our infinite number of days with You.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.