One step forward, two steps back...

So as I posted on Sunday, I have been going through a study "30 days of Jesus". So far, I have completed my study each morning and it has been going really well. Tomorrow is Day 7 and I have begun to look forward to my quiet time each morning (even though waking up at 5 is never easy).

So is it just a coincidence then that over the past few days, I have received two unexpected medical bills (one which is quite large),  my student loan payments are increasing next month and it seems I can't walk anywhere or do anything without tripping, dropping something or stubbing a toe? I think not. In James it reads "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance"(verses 2-3). I know that my trials may not have been exactly what James was writing about,  but the idea still fits. The little annoyances of life have the power to steal our joy and peace IF we ALLOW them to do so but they can't gain that power on their own.

The dictionary says perseverance means a steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. So that is what I intend to do. Continue to hide the Word of God in my heart, move towards a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father and hold tight to the joy and peace that God gives to those that trust in His will. The rest, whatever it may be, will just have to find someone else to annoy.

 

One step forward...two steps back... I think NOT! This girl is choosing something else. :)