Persevering in Turbulent Times

My wife and I recently bought a new home in Hayesville, NC, about two hours West of Asheville, NC. It is a lovely home with a bad grooming problem...it practically has no grass growing in the yard due to the rocky, clay soil. So, together, we scratched around in the dirt; planted seed and fertilizer...and now we have a new morning ritual ....we spend time together, WATERING THE GRASS, because we have had no rain since August 30th. During my part of the ritual this morning, I moved some rocks around a flower bed and found a number of black insects milling around...it reminded me of a blog post of several years ago that is reprinted today. I hope you enjoy and take to heart its message of PERSEVERANCE. 

 Big Black Bug

 For the last few summers, here across the South, it has been brutal when it comes to the drought conditions that have beset us. In fact, it’s made me do something I have never done before in my adult life…..water the grass and surrounding plants in my yard. Why just the other morning, I was out at the crack of dawn to perform my new ritual, when this great BIG BLACK BUG (or wasp or mutant bumblebee) altered its flight plan and made a straight beeline (no pun intended) for me. Well, I did the only manly thing I could do…I switched the nozzle on the water hose to JET and shot that sucker right out of the air before it collided with my forehead ( I’m sure it would have left a mark). It plummeted to the grass, but I could tell it was only deterred, stunned or dazed: but definitely not ready to give up the fight; so, I sprayed even more water on it to make sure it would stay down. After about 40 seconds of watering the grass in that “special” spot, I once again turned my attention to the rest of the yard. After several minutes, I made my way back to that area of conflict and found that bug struggling to climb out of that wet grass and get airborne. Well, you just got to admire that kind of perseverance!

 And I do….in fact, one of my favorite scriptures in James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops PERSEVERANCE. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete….not lacking anything.”

 Yep, that big black bug reminded me that I never know from day to day or moment to moment what trial or problem or persecution is headed my way. I may be off to do my thing, minding my own business, when trouble rears its ugly head; but God’s word tells me to count it all joy when those trials come my way so that I can persevere and be COMPLETE….LACKING NOTHING!!!!

 I trust that today you are ready to be tested and to be found complete in the grace and love that our Heavenly Father bestows on each of us. Be like that BIG BLACK BUG and don’t let a little water (or heartbreak or disappointment or catastrophe) keep you from getting airborne and becoming all that God has ordained for you to be.

 If your not sure how to get that done, read the rest of James 1…..there’s a lot of God’s instruction just waiting for you….Have a Blessed Day as you persevere for the Father.

 Blessed and Believing,

WPQ

LIVING WITH MY CHOICE....

I have been struggling these last few weeks with elevated blood pressure; even had to go to the Emergency Room about 3 weeks ago at 11:30 at night. I realized that it probably had more to do with the uncertainties I have been facing in my life than any physical problems (although I do have a doctor's appointment next week to check out all systems). I have been wrestling with how and what to do with my "extra" hours now that my wife and I are settled in our new home here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I know that God is not finished with me yet or I would have caught a heavenly transport to my mansion in the sky...so what is God expecting me to do with these remaining days of my life?

 Maybe you too have been dealing with similar questions? You've asked but still have received the answer that would calm a troubled soul. But when I read #12 in my list of Queen's Truthies, I   realized I needed to get back to trusting in Jesus rather than looking for answers in all the wrong places. I do not need a job, money or any of a thousand other things to define who I am; I need a Savior that accepts me for who I am, but loves me too much to let me stay that way....and with His love and the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of me, I am constantly becoming more like Jesus as I seek to know Him and follow Him in these remaining days (or years) of life. It is my choice to serve Christ as the Master of my life and the Redeemer of my eternity.

So if the report at the doctors' office is bad rather than good, NO PROBLEM! I have made my choice to serve my Savior all the days of my life and to rejoice no matter my circumstances or what may come against me....for the power in me is FAR GREATER than ANYTHING the devil may bring my way....I pray that will be your choice as well!!!!  AMEN!

QUEEN'S TRUTHIES...

 # 11) No man can serve two masters...BUT HE WILL SERVE ONE...SO CHOOSE WISELY!

 #  12) It is not important for us to know the when, the where, the how or the why? We just need to know the WHO  in our lives....JESUS....knowing and following Him takes care of all the other questions!

 

Poem for the day...

Living for Jesus is a choice to be made,

A choice you must make every day.

It's not something you do

When Life comes at you;

You don't stop, drop, roll; then pray!

 

By choosing the Savior to follow each day.

Twill make living for Him a true "must";

So whatever you do

Know others are looking at you;

For in Him you have placed all your trust.

 

Let there be no mistake in the choices we make;

Let us not falter, nor wiggle, nor squirm.

For when we trust in the Lord

And lean into His Word;

The our future with Him we affirm.

 

 

WPQ  © September 2021