At The Well- Persistence

The discussion questions are:

Think about your daily life as a wife, mother and child of God.

What are some ways that you have persisted when you have been knocked down?

How have these circumstances brought glory to the Father?

Life is full of trials some that knock the wind out of us, some that make our hearts ache and some that are mere annoyances. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.      

James 1:2-4

In my life I have faced some difficult trials.  One in particular almost took my life.  As a result of this, I was brought to my knees.  The Lord had gotten my attention! Before this I had had a lukewarm relationship with my Savior. Neither on fire, nor cold for God.  I believed in Him and had committed my life to Him at an earlier age, but I wasn't living for Him.  I was living for myself.  My illness brought me to the realization that I needed Him. He needed to be the center of my days.

I gave my life wholly and completely over to Him.

It wasn't any easy path to follow.  For years following my illness I was plagued with anxiety and a fear of sickness.  At times it was intense. Not only did I fear for myself, but for my husband and children.  But, this year has brought change.  I have dug even deeper into God's words and have begun to cling to His promises. One of my favorite verses to quote when I feel a tinge of anxiety creeping in is

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As I say this verse, I picture God holding me in his righteous right hand.  I repeat it over and over until I feel His strength, love and peace flowing through me.  A couple of years ago when I found this verse, I was a mess emotionally.  I was afraid of every winter, because we often were sick through the whole duration.  Winters drained me physically and emotionally.  I began to dread the colder months.  This year is the first winter when I haven't fought the constant fear of picking up an illness every time we step foot out the door.  God is working in me and I am allowing Him!

*Just in case you were wondering...we have been sick just as much this year as any in the past.  Colds galore, stomach flu, Strep, mysterious rashes (we are actually all sick right now with a miserable cold).  Yet the Lord is helping me through this.  I am not as fearful and anxious.  He is teaching me and strengthening me each and every day. 

Praise the Lord!