Dark Waters

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

What trials has the Lord put into your life today, ladies?

Is it depression? Is it illness? Perhaps it is marital difficulties or financial strain. Maybe your trial is on a smaller scale...whatever the case, have you considered that through it all it is the Lord's refining hand molding you into the holy image of his beloved, only Son?

These types of trials test our faith. It is easy to think that the Lord has abandoned us for we feel quite alone in the ordeal, however, we are reminded to have unshakeable faith towards our Father. We are to be like rocks in the midst of the storm anchoring in His loving arms, knowing our Lord is right there next to us and have never left us or forsaken us. We are to be like the martyrs of old, being willing to give our lives for the sake of Him whom we entrusted our lives to. We must remember that tests will be laid out before us in our lives and what will be our response? Pure joy.

Last year was quite a challenging year for our family. A series of serious illnesses, constant hospilizations and raising new baby twins through it all. We had never quite experienced quite a year like that. Week after week posed challenges and trials that stretched us in our faith and in our character. I, myself, was very ill for a while and wondered why the Lord was allowing so much suffering in my life. I was just barely able to keep my head above those dark waters and was grateful for examples in the Bible, particularly Job, which helped me to keep my eye on the Lord and praise Him through it all.

I do believe that some maturity and perseverance was cultivated as a result. There is still more the Father wants to do in my life and that was just a small window of what further work He will continue in the future. What are your dark waters today, ladies? Consider what God's final purposes are----His godly fruit...fruit that will last and bring glory to the Father so that He will be magnified and that we might not lack any good thing.