Ultimate Testing

Have you ever felt like you have had the same trial over and over again? This year I felt like I have been put through the furnace multiple times and somehow I am still not learning what God has to teach me. Finally, one morning it came to me like the sunshine burning my eyes: The Lord has been teaching me patience.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

I read this verse and I think in my head Yes Lord! But really it is much harder said than done. JOY in the midst of trial? Not only that but also be joyful because you are in trial? Whoa! That is a lesson to be learned. I want the end result but I am not sure about the testing. It hurts!

All of this testing is rooted in my body falling apart. At least feeling like it is at age 24. At one time or another this year I have injured both shoulders, my back, been in boot for a swollen toe joint, and now been diagnosed with tendonitis in my right wrist. It is actually pretty comical when I think about it but at the same time the question that arises is, Lord what lesson am I missing?

I am learning that I have to rely on others and STOP though I feel weak. The truth is, I am weak! I am weak in faith, in physical strength, and in spirit. I have needed more encouragement in the last few days and have received it from those around me which I am so thankful for. My boss encouraged me to take a day off yesterday because I am so tempted to use my wrist but it won't heal without rest. And so rest I am doing! I am resting on the Word of the Lord.


Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:26-28

Time is flying by...

Sometimes I feel like time is speeding up and this is one of those times. The winter dragged on while the spring is zooming by. This week is the start of May madness here at camp- midweek groups then weekend groups. Housekeeping will be less and less for me, which is actually really exciting!

At this time in the year I imagine that most interns are trying to figure out what is next. Our jobs end in October so naturally we are asking ourselves what next? What is God calling us to? The problem is that we have no idea...

I know that it is a good place to be because it is a faith builder and we are fully relying on God to lead us. But, I am a planner! Not having any plans is crazy for me! The Lord is really teaching me to put my faith completely in Him, because He does have a plan for our lives.

The one thing that really stuck out to me in my personal devotion time this year is to "Live a life worthy of the call". But really what does that mean?

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way" Colossians 1:10

I desire to live a life worthy of the Lord, but what exactly was Paul talking about? I have been so encouraged yet so challenged while reading Paul's letters, because to actually put what he says into practice would change each of our lives significantly. My prayer is to live life worthy of the Lord.

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." 2 Thessalonians 1:11


I pray that God would show us what this means in our daily lives and ultimately lead us to where He wants us to be.