Persevere!

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).

That is a great life verse don't you think? Fact is, sometimes I have this test over and over again. I wonder when is it going to let up? But that's when I start to get excited! I've told many people who are going through trials and struggles in life that to some this is the only hell we'll ever know. While others, unfortunately, this is the only heaven they'll ever know. This life here is so temporary, it's almost silly to worry and stress about it. The better question is what am I doing today, right now to bring glory to God both personally with our vertical relationship, and horizontally with everyone we come in contact with.

Even though I live on a golf course, I rarely follow the game. Maybe a little when Tiger is playing due to his notoriety. What I notice most is sometimes the shots are hit perfectly, but the outcomes aren't always as hoped. One shot just misses the cup, then rolls past, catches a slight slope and rolls away and into the trap. Cr-p!

You and I need to keep the big picture in mind when things don't always turn out as planned. As we persevere, we grow stronger, and when the occasion arrises when, even if we hit the ball of life correctly, one bump can send that ball off course. It's the next hit out of the trap that counts.