One of my true highlights each month is when Jeannine and I have the opportunity to serve as facilitators for the Overcomers group. The many physical and mental challenges that are a part of the people in this ministry could be a Who's Who of Medical Issues. Certainly many would think our time together on the last Saturday of each month would be filled with complaining, self-pity, and the chant that nobody understands the pain we are in. But quite the opposite! I see genuine faith, glory and honor given to God, and eyes set on the goal of salvation. Their purpose is shown through their challenge.
A well known leadership author, Napolean Hill, stated, "Behind every adversity is the seed of an equal or greater benefit." Isn't that true that many good things don't come without first working through struggle or adversity? But I believe James 1:2-4 states it best, "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."
Perseverance is absent without something to persevere through. Many times the situation that requires perseverance is before us, but we dodge it and head to our comfort zone. The easy path is too appealing. The pain seems too great. It just doesn't make sense for us to keep trying, so we reason. We know what we have and it will just have to be enough. Being mature and not lacking anything are sacrificed to avoid the struggle.
At the end of my life I don't want others to remember me as one who stood for nothing and enjoyed a 'comfortable' life. I want to be remembered as one who battled for God, was willing to suffer for the name of Jesus, and never gave up in the face of adversity. I want to always walk courageously with God. How about you?
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