“Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” James 1:3-4 AMP
Today is the 75th anniversary of the allies invasion of Normandy, known as D-Day. Although there is plenty of photographs and video footage of what those men endured that day, and the days that followed, I don’t believe any of us will ever truly grasp the horror or depth of trauma they experienced. In spite of the nightmare, the fact that there were so many who were willing to endure, even to the point of death, such horrors, paved the way for the liberation of France (and ultimately western Europe) from Nazi control. The courage and endurance of over 150,000 soldiers and almost 200,000 navy personnel was what it took in order to open the door to victory for the Allied forces on the Western Front of WWII.
Although that is a rather dramatic comparison, for most of us, the daily trials and tribulations we face feel heavy, daunting, and often completely unmanageable. We find ourselves wondering why…WHY are we having to go through this or that?? WHY do we have to endure so much pain because of this or that?? The reality is that life as a human being will never be without stress, heartbreak, and challenges we cannot begin to anticipate. Sounds pretty dismal and fatalistic, doesn’t it?
I have been coming to an understanding over the last couple of years that the Christian living a truly surrendered life has a great advantage in the face of adversity. Peace. We have access to a peace that can only come from the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is a gift given only through the love of Jesus Christ. We are all imperfect and we are always going to make mistakes. By accepting that truth and then accepting the gift of salvation offered by the sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross, we become whole. The peace that was only the saviors to give is ours, free and clear. But we have to choose to accept it.
“For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!” Romans 8:18 AMP
Yes, enduring hardship stinks…there is no way to sugarcoat that reality. However, what we gain as a result of our endurance is absolutely priceless. Faith through endurance is just like exercising a muscle in the body. The more you use it and the harder you train it, the more powerful it becomes. Don’t forget, though, that Satan will always be circling your perimeter. He’ll always be that stand of Girl Scout Cookies for sale outside the boundaries of your exercises in faith. We always need to be prepared to look away from the table and trust that the glory God has to offer us in the next life is going to be far more beautiful and gratifying than any bits and pieces of instant gratification the enemy will be offering us in this life.
If you are waiting and working for something that means a great deal to you, whether it is a degree, a promotion, a relationship, or even a healthier lifestyle, you need to accept that these things will only happen when ALL of the pieces are in place. Just because you feel ready for what you want, doesn’t mean you actually ARE ready, or that every player on the board is ready. God requires endurance, especially for the things that matter the most. He will never give up on you, but that means you can never give up on Him, either.
As you are going through whatever challenging circumstances face you right now, think back on all those young men wading through the waters lining the shores of Normandy beach. No, you may not be in a life threatening situation as they were, but that does not diminish the fear, pain, or suffering you are enduring as you fight your way across your own shores. Remember their courage and their endurance, and never doubt that God has given you just as much intestinal fortitude as was required that day. Then remember to USE IT!!!
“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.” Psalms 23:1-4 AMP
Love the Hand of God 