“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)

Think

Just when you think things are settling down and beginning to get back to normal, you blink. Suddenly you find yourself feeling as if you’re teetering on the edge of a cliff, afraid of falling and being swallowed up by the valley below. I blinked.

My wise husband shared that maybe a life of trouble IS normal. Not what we like to hear, but 60+ years tell me that it’s true. Maybe you’re standing beside me staring into the abyss too. If you are, let’s join hearts and cling (literally) to these words, the Word:

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NIV)

And just when you think there’s no hope:

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

And in a blink of an eye…Jesus.