Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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.
“Easy to Assemble”... that’s what the box said in bold print, so I bought it over another brand that didn’t claim the same. There was no mention in that bold lettering about the bag of tiny parts I found inside which required me to find a pair of glasses strong enough to see what they were...let alone know how to use them as they were designed to be!
Yikes! When will I ever learn... “Nothing’s easy”... especially when it’s unfamiliar...and especially when it requires me to try the same thing more than once or twice to accomplish it. I’m really drawn to “easy”... I think most people are.
The truth is; I like easy so much that I too often set myself up for disappointment and even failure when I open those boxes of challenging situations or difficult relationships. As it sits in my lap, I see that small bag of “parts that must be used” and moan as I realize I must “put on my stronger glasses” and pursue what God has for me in it.
I have found “easy” is not always best... and “best” is not very often easy! Yet... what great peace and comfort I have discovered when I respond to life’s trials with the desire to “assemble” all the pieces that I have been handed with the guidance of God’s Word. I know I can trust that the finished product (me) will one day be completed. Glory!
So... if you are facing one struggle after another and your feeling tired and even overwhelmed by what you are being asked to do...try again...and also try responding as Peter did to Jesus after a long night of casting nets and catching no fish...
“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 (Emphasis mine)
Giving God my best in a situation or relationship doesn’t always produce the results I was expecting. Most often... I get so much more than I ever dreamed.
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats... Luke 6-7a
Praying you have a “boat-load” of encouragement from knowing that there is no shame in God’s mercy and grace as He leads us to “Try Again”...
Kathy
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