I've been thinking about endurance...
I've been thinking about endurance.
Based on the above title, you might have guessed that your campus pastor recently took up running and, if that was your speculation, you would be incorrect.
Actually, we've been working on projects around our house. Some projects are quick, like changing out a light fixture or mowing the lawn, but some things take much, much longer. Over the last several weeks, Paige and I started talking about making a new space to start a garden. We started doing the research on what was needed, gathered the materials to build the garden beds, hauled the rock and soil to the location, but no matter how hard we worked, it didn't happen at the speed we had in our heads.
Have you ever felt like this is how spiritual growth feels? Whether it is working on one of the spiritual disciplines we talked about during the spring semester or desiring transformation in an area we struggle with, it often takes more effort and time than we want. Even though this change doesn't happen instantly, do not lose hope and know that God is fighting with you as you seek these changes.
Consider it pure 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 1:2-4 NIV
So what is that area in your life where you need God's help to persevere? Are you neglecting that area because it seems like too much work?
Have you asked a friend to walk with you in prayer and accountability?
I promise that even though it might take work, He will turn the "messy" of your life into a beautiful garden. He is patient with us, He is in this with us and He has a beautiful plan for your life.
(For those wondering we did finish the garden after we cleared out all the old weeds, removed a stump, laid down fabric mesh, took a handful of trips from the store, moved lots of dirt, carried lots of rocks to the backyard and finally placed the seeds/plants in the garden beds.)