What a beautiful object lesson God gives us by looking at the oyster! Pearls are formed by a small grain of sand, which is a constant irritant to the oyster. It's the irritant that produces the gem.
Likewise, many of the good things God has for us come to us seemingly as irritants and under pressure...
Likewise, many of the good things God has for us come to us seemingly as irritants and under pressure...
This pressure is the funnel under which many virtues flow, producing life transformation if we let it have it’s full effect. James 1:2-8 says: "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.” By His strength and grace, we can patiently endure the pressures of life as we seek Him.
Take, for example, those wonderful statements of paradox that Jesus gave to the multitudes in the beatitudes when He said things like: “How happy are those who know what sorrow means. Happy are those who claim nothing. Happy are those who have suffered persecution. Be glad then. Yes, be tremendously glad.” We will see how God is good in it, either now or later.
"Lord, give me the staying power, teach me of your steadfastness, that in the end I can grow in virtue and give glory to you even more."
Take, for example, those wonderful statements of paradox that Jesus gave to the multitudes in the beatitudes when He said things like: “How happy are those who know what sorrow means. Happy are those who claim nothing. Happy are those who have suffered persecution. Be glad then. Yes, be tremendously glad.” We will see how God is good in it, either now or later.
"Lord, give me the staying power, teach me of your steadfastness, that in the end I can grow in virtue and give glory to you even more."
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