a time for trials

I have conducted a lot of job-searching sessions lately; said sessions usually result in hot-air balloon sized frustration and my slamming the computer shut. It saddens me that the computer that stood by me through the tortures of grad school has to see me like this again; poor thing thought these moments of unfair treatment and neglect were over the moment I tripped across the stage at graduation. After all, he cannot help that he was merely the vehicle that drove me to this frustration! Sigh.

Anyways, after one such session this week I turned to my sweet friend and told her that I know God has something for me out there—but it’s probably not going to be dropped in my lap while laying by the pool. I know I need to persevere—but how much is too much, how little is not enough and what do I pursue?!?! Maybe you’ve been here, too. I would like to share a few verses and thoughts that have helped me sort through this season in life.

My younger sister emailed me the other day quoting James 1:2-8—this passage is on Trials and Tribulations; if you don’t know it go read it right now!

‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you fare trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.’—James 1:2-3

Welp, there we go :)

I know that in this season of my life God is teaching me patience and perseverance—my prayers to Him need to be for this very thing: patience. Vs. 6 says ‘he must believe and not doubt.’ Relying on Him to provide at the perfect moment is something I not only have to say but have to believe as well. ‘We must have confidence that God will align our desires with his purposes.’ Life Application Bible.

Another precious friend recently told me that God usually doesn’t give you desires of the heart that He is not preparing you for. Matthew 21:22 says ‘If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’ Faith in Him is not a free ticket to our desires being fulfilled but these desires, if in line with God’s Kingdom, will be fulfilled if we pray and persevere.

Perseverance. This is a hard action verb for me to fully grasp the concept of. Because there are no boundaries or limits near or far I go back to my initial question: how do I persevere in harmony with God, letting Him do His work and I due diligence?

‘Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope’—Romans 5:4

I am confident that God is using this rough time as a character builder; who knows who may be watching me during this time in my life. Be it someone who does not know Christ or someone who does, I will continue to persevere and patiently knock on every door. It is my prayer that He will make clear what doors are open for me and those that are shut. I also must remember to thank God for this trial—vs. 2 ‘Consider it pure joy’—for I know that when I come out on the other side I will be a better, stronger person and the next trial will surely be barreling down my path at an insane rate of speed.