Persevere and hold on to God's promises

A cross without a crown, a victory without a battle and a testimony without a test and we have nothing to overcome.

The struggle in the cocoon finally emerges. In God's timing it bursts into the light with beauty and soars on wings of victory.

I see similarity in life's difficulties. Of course the big difference

is "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them; because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4, NIV).

In life's struggle I am tempted to complain. I don't like to

struggle and I want to say "When God, when?" I don't enjoy waiting and struggling to get out of hard places. I want to burst into the light, soaring like the butterfly and bypassing the preliminaries. Then I remember that God is bigger than all the obstacles. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, NIV).

It is times like these I realize God's timing is best and there is

strength to be gained, lessons to be learned and to always trust in God.

One thing is a certainty. Nothing lasts forever, not even the problem at hand. When I think of the many past victories the Lord has brought me through, I know he will surely lead me on.

I like to say this to a problem, "And it came to pass." I like to think the "problem" did not come to stay. In other words, "this too will pass.' In Matthew 6:27 gives more wise counsel: "So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:27 in the New Century Version: "You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it." Verse 34 gives more wise counsel,

"So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I heard a story about an artist who wanted to paint a painting that depicted "perfect peace." If I were to think about painting a picture of perfect peace, I would probably think of man boat fishing on a placid lake with not one ripple on the water. Yet this artist painted a raging waterfall with winds shipping the spray from the water all around. On a limb, overhanging the foiling foam, a mother bird had built her nest and was sitting peacefully brooding her eggs. Here she was safe and secure shielded and protected by the roaring falls.

If you are in a "test of faith" today, build your house on the solid rock. Persevere and hold on to God's promises. Meditate on them. Hide them in your heart. Trust God for the victory. In the "meantime," rest in him. He loves you!

Remember, first the test … then the testimony. That is how we overcome.

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11,NIV).

I love to testify of what the LORD has done for me. Could I tell you about it?

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is:

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