Clearing the fog

 

James 1:2-3 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

This weather has been mixture of fog, cloudy days, and rain in my neck of the woods.  The meteorologist explain that the fog persists because we have stable weather, there is no wind of breeze to clear the fog.  They have said this several times as they discussed the reasons for fog warnings and the visibility on the road.  As I listened to the report and the weatherman's explanation of stable weather I could not help but be drawn to thinking about trials and tribulations.

You see sometimes we need a little instability to make things clear, to bring clarity to who we are and Whose we are.  Sometimes our lives or vision can be decreased by our thinking.  Like maybe we are thinking we are doing this life thing on our own.  We can be blinded by blessings that we think we are self dependent, but trials remind us where our help comes.  Trials and tribulations strengthen our faith and help us to persevere.  They can give us a clear vision of God and in His goodness in the midst of it all.  He becomes our breeze and sunshine. No one likes instability, but when we stand on the Rock we are safe and the breeze just clears the way. So we consider the trials with joy because they serve a purpose and He is working all things out for our good.

Father, I thank You for Your creation and the way You use it to speak to Your people.  Let us be steadfast when trials and tribulations come because we know that You are using all things for our good and Your purpose.  Help us to be a comfort to those who are experiencing hard times as You are a comfort to us.  In this season and every season help us to love.  In Jesus name. Amen