"Consider it a sheer gift, friends,
when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.
You know that under pressure,
your faith-life is forced into the open and shines its true colors.
So don't try to get out of anything prematurely.
Let it do its work,
so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
(James 1:2-3 The Message)
It's so easy to try to squirm out of our troubles, for no one likes to go through hard times. But patience is needed for real growth that lasts. And I need to be reminded of this, continually ... for there is much more going on than we can see with our eyes.
"This life is not for the body, it is for the soul, and man too often chooses the way of life that best suits the body, not the way that best suits the soul. ... Try, each of you, to picture your soul as a third being trained by us - by you and Me - and then you will share, and rejoice in sharing, in the discipline and training." (God Calling)
Linking up at:
Linking up at:
You are so blessed to have a Godly father who loves his family! Your scrapbooking is nice,your family must especially enjoy the memories.It revolutionizes my life to look at trials as a gift but James is true & I'm thinking we can thank God for every trial in our life because He is faithful & amazing to turn them into blessings! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely photo, Cherry. Is it from your garden? And you've written lovely thoughts to go with it. It's so easy to choose what suits my body instead of my soul. Thanks for sharing this on B&BB. How was your first month of refreshment? I'm praying you'll have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteI just typed out that verse from James in The Message for my post scheduled on Monday:
ReplyDelete"You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shines its true colors."
It reminds me of my favorite saying: People are like teabags. You find out what's inside when they're in hot water.
Patience. It's the fruit that always needs more growing in my garden. Thanks for these thoughtful words.
What an intriguing photo! And such a powerful and needed reminder within those verses.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and powerful share.Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI was vividly reminded of that this week when I picked some peony buds hoping they would bloom indoors earlier than the ones on the plant. The plant bloomed first, and the buds I brought in are still struggling to open.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is hard to stay strong and be thankful but we know nothing happens without a reason.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat planting idea! I also love the verse as well as the quote from God Calling.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind comment on my photo and verse!
Don't you love God Calling? But even more God's precious Word! Because I believe God's Word is true, I know that trials are truly a gift. I've passed through some I was sure wasn't, but knew what God says is true. So I count them gifts--gift wrapped and tied with a ribbon of maturity!
ReplyDeleteSo true. Need to concentrate on the growth and health of my soul and spirit and not become so frustrated when my body is struggling. Faith-life is what counts for eternity. Body-life ain't so much...
ReplyDeleteSuch truth in this. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat's one of those tough verses for me. I want to rush to the promise at the end and skip over the road it takes to get there. Thanks so much for sharing, and for linking to The Sunday Community.
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