Tag Archives: perseverance

Unexpected Blue Jay

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2 (NIV)

Unexpected Blue Jay

Looking out the window I noticed that some extra decor was added to my seasonal hanging basket and the color just didn’t match with the theme I was going for. Never have I had a blue jay in the baskets before and this one didn’t stay there long. I’m guessing he didn’t find it too comfortable so flew off to somewhere else.

Have you ever had the same experience? Unexpectedly landing somewhere and not feeling like you quite fit in? Goodness I have! And it doesn’t have to be a bad place, just one that’s out of our comfort zone. Like maybe a city girl who comes to teach in the most rural place she’s ever been. Or a gal who tries hard but often feels that she doesn’t measure up, and then her husband is called to pastor two churches making her a Pastor’s wife. Uncomfortable? You’d better believe it! I know you can add your own examples of those times it’s felt like you were left dangling like me. It seems as if things poke and prod us on all sides, making it hard to settle in and leave us thinking a lot about flying the “coop.”

Join me with me for a moment looking back at the Israelites. God made a way for them to be freed from slavery. Miraculously, they walked on dry land across the Red Sea. They were fed daily and their clothes didn’t wear out. They were being led to the Promised Land by God and yet, their surroundings felt awkward and unfamiliar leaving them feeling unbalanced and actually wishing for the life they’d known as slaves. As a result, they spent their lives lost and never stepped a foot into the place God had prepared just for them.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss out on God’s best He’s prepared for me! 

The problem is, I see myself, my own weakness in those Israelites. Maybe you can relate to them too. I do believe that God is leading me through life just as he led them, that He’s providing me with everything I need in whatever situation I find myself as He did back then. But, and it’s a big but, you can still find me whining and complaining, wondering why I’m where I am, scared, anxious, and sadly lacking trust in the One who has my best in mind. This is where the words, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) burst from my heart and pour out of my mouth. 

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV)

The part I love most about the verses above is knowing that Jesus is the “perfecter of faith,” not us. When we find ourselves in a “wilderness,” will we(I) fall short? Probably. Might we miss out on blessings because of our (my) lack of trust? Possibly. But, and it’s a big but, I’ve found that those times are also where I’ve learned the most about following God’s plan and slowly but surely (slow learner here) overcoming my unbelief. They do say, “Practice makes perfect.” In this case it is our practice of persevering in this race of life no matter where we find ourselves and Jesus’ perfecting our growing faith in the process.

Who would have thought that an unexpected blue jay in my basket would act as a reminder for me and maybe you too, that when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory and life feels as if it’s swinging out of control, instead of giving up or longing for somewhere else, we need only to look to God’s best, our “Promised Land”: Jesus!

“because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:3-4 (NIV)

Day 31/31: Perseverance

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Run the race. Keep the pace. Eyes on Jesus

Day 31: Perseverance #writetogether31days

There’s a young woman I know who has set a goal for herself. She’s done what it takes to be prepared, but to reach the bar she’s set for herself, she must pass several tests. She studies, applies what she’s learned, drives the miles to get to the test site, sits through the exam and then anxiously waits. Sometimes the news is worth celebrating and other times she learns that she was just a few points short and must try again. 

As I sit here the ponderer I am, and look back over what I’ve written during these 31 days, I realize it is the very same for me. I know who I want to become, but to get there also requires being tested. Such is the life of a Christian. 

I’ve done what it takes to be prepared in accepting Christ as my Savior. Studying the Word and applying it to my life helps me “practice what I preach,” to be ready to go that extra mile, and  when I’m anxiously waiting in the midst of those tests and trials, to endure. Sometimes it seems as if I’m gaining in my quest for greater faith and at other times, it’s clear I’m coming up short. Feeling like I take one step forward then two steps back can be quite discouraging.  Maybe you can relate.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 (NIV)

“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:3-4 (NIV)

I know it can be discouraging for my young friend too, but the thing I so admire about her is, she does try again, and again if necessary. She perseveres and studies, practices, drives the miles, braves the testing and waiting all over again to finish what she’s started. Without knowing it, she inspires me to do the same. 

I pray for her, and myself, and for you too, that as we face those things that test us, we don’t give up. As Hebrews 12 tells us, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” May we not grow weary or lose heart, but try again, and again if necessary. “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” Yes, these 31 days (and many more) are teaching me: such is the life of a Christian. And even when it doesn’t feel like it, that’s news worth celebrating!