“3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5
Sometimes the rain keeps pouring and you do not know what to do. Today was rough day, following a rough week, and yet I refuse to give into a self pity mindset.
Here is a little update on my educational life. First, my class sizes did not decrease like other teachers and I wanted them to. I still have 39 to 43 kids in a classroom; I only have one class with 26 students.
Next, my home printer stopped working. The school is struggling to buy a new copier, while the one we have continuously breaks down, pushing all us teachers behind on scheduling and lesson planning. So, I have to be very flexible and pick select times to make my one copy, so i can submit a copy requet form, hoping the printer is working.
Additionally, I am a sponsor for a dance team. And I am still struggling financial, since I came into a different district—I was given 22 weeks instead of 26 week pay and I found out I cannot switch over.
But…My God is good.
Life is life and it is not going to stop giving us ups and downs. Both the unbeliever and believer are not exempt from life’s adversities. Adversity is troubling, usually unexpected circumstances.
No one has a perfect life and Jesus Christ, especially did not have a perfect life. If the Son of God was given an impoverished filled life tittering with betrayal, arrest, lies, and eventually his death, then who are we to feel entitled to having a carefree life? The Son of man did not get the best of the best livelihood on Earth, regardless of His status. Jesus, the Lord of lords experienced struggles and endured trials and tribulations of all kind.
James 1:3 says, “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James encourages us to be joyful, to rejoice as we face these difficult circumstances. These trials are not placed in our lives for our pain and God’s amusement. No, the Lord God utilizes each trial to change, transform, and morph us into who we really are. You see, patience is a unique fruit. Perseverance (patience) is a fruit birthed through the fiery pains of adversity.
- It is to be patient while we’re disciplining our bodies.
- It is to be patient while praying and working for our financial increase.
- It is to be patient as our home lives crumble.
- It is to be patient when we’re waiting for God to bring us our significant others.
- It is to be patient and most importantly build character while I am waiting for the Lord God to bring me from the valley and into the table before my enemies.
Perseverance has its place, my friends. What God does in my life, He also performs it in yours. Do not reject this process of pruning, because NO it does not feel good, but let God have His way. Right now, I am struggling but I am also full of joy. I made a lot of mistakes today, but I did not throw in the town. I relied on Christ Jesus’ strength, even when my strength was fading Christ carried me without me noticing.
Like Job, I have to embrace God’s good, the blessings He has given me and also the adversity He allows into my leaves.
He is the Master. He is wise beyond all. He is the potter and we’re the clay.
Move your hands and let God work.
A Meeting at the Well 