“…Be happy,
for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow,
and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally
in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full
and complete.” James 1:2-4 TLB
Sometimes,
the life we encounter on this “blue marble” we call earth is overwhelming! We
craft clearly laid out plans and goals, but in spite of our preparations,
events often careen out of our control. We rarely end up seeing the total
realization of our dreams. We often fail to triumph over obstacles too high for
us to scale. In spite of these bitter disappointments, however, God tells us
that His grace gives us sufficient strength to face our trials and weaknesses
(2 Corinthians 12:9).
After 60
years of walking through life’s interruptions, I discovered that there are
actually clues to hidden treasure within each difficulty we face. God brings
these assets from deep within each one of us as we put one foot in front of the
other on our arduous journey through life (Matthew 13:44). There are keys to buried riches
contained in each trial and tribulation that comes our way (2 Corinthians 4:7).
The proverbial silver lining in every cloud and pot of gold at the end of the
rainbow is just waiting to be discovered.
Our God of
hope fills us with abounding joy and enduring peace every step of life’s way
(Romans 5:13)! He abundantly rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews
11:6). His Word and Spirit reveal even more hidden treasure, when we seek Him
through His scripture and when we place our trust in Him. God also promises
that when those who love and obey Him pass over the threshold of heaven, we
will all receive the treasured crown of eternal life (James 1:12).
We may not
have this world’s goods, but our life both now and in heaven contains an
enduring treasure that rust and moths cannot ever destroy (Matthew 6:20).
Prayer:
Lord, help
me to treasure every second of life and to see You in the midst of every event.
Help me to look at my trials as You see them, and to look for the miracle,
which You hide within each one. Keep me from looking too far into the future,
which I cannot predict anyway, and to seek You one moment at a time.
Thought for
the Day:
The
real treasures in life are found in nature, literature, music, art, family and
enduring friendships; but primarily in the gift of a personal relationship with
the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.
