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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
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 NIV
God must think I really need to develop some perseverance.
Lately, the trials just seem to come one right after another. First it was a back injury, then I had to put my dog of 13 years to sleep, then it was a car accident, then different things around the house keep breaking and it seems like they all cost at least $500 dollars, then I was hospitalized for a week just last week. The medical bills are adding up and I'm overwhelmed by it all.
Where's the joy in all of that?
I'm sure there are many of you out there raising your hands and saying "Amen, sister!"
But there must be some reason God desires for us to develop perseverance.
Merriam-Webster' uses the word "steadfast" to define perseverance, which also means "firmly fixed in place" or "immovable."
So God wants us to be firmly fixed in place. He wants us to be immovable.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1Corinithians 15:58 NASB
He tells us that our toil is not in vain.
So... what do we gain when we face trials and endure them?
By standing firm you will gain life. Luke 21:19 NIV
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelation 2:10-11 NIV
Both James and Revelation refer to the "the crown of life."
So what is Jesus trying to tell us? I believe He is saying, "I know you are suffering now. I know you are tempted to fear because it looks like you will suffer even more. You’re right. You will suffer more. But don’t fear! Yes, Satan is behind all this – but this is not happening apart from my knowledge and my plan! I will limit it – and this will result in good, not evil. So be faithful! Believe me! Follow me, trust me, even if following me leads to your death! He who is mine has Life – even if he dies. So trust me! And rejoice!"
This is where the joy is. It's not in the trials, but it's in the knowing that if we are faithful, if we stand firm, if we are immovable... we will not suffer in vain... we will have life... and this is eternal life with Christ.
Nothing in "this world" really matters.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25
Father in Heaven, help me to always be mindful of the gift of eternal life with You... it is the only thing worth living for. Let me always be a light for you Lord. And when I am weak, please make me strong. And when I am tired, please lift me up. And when I don't feel like it, help me to do it anyway... it's all for You!
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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