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Quite often my friend Stacey reminds us that “It is not easy, but it is durable.” In this post, I ask you, “Is it durable?”
I believe that we stand in agreement that a Servant of God has challenges. Life is challenging, yes! Still, how durable is life as a Servant of God?
Count it All Good
First of all, the scripture of James 1:2-4 (count it all joy) is a familiar and quoted one among believers. However, I believe the mindset must agree with the spirit in order to do just that. How can I feel joy in the midst of my troubles? Moreover, how can you express joy in the midst of challenges? Emphatically, God is not asking us to do more than we are capable of. In fact, what he wants from us, is trust. Trust him during these times. That can make the situation DURABBLE!
Additionally, having a capable mentoring group or circle of friends, who fear God, will lighten your burdens. That small group of friends will share experiences that give support and relieve much of the stress that otherwise you would endure alone.
Thirdly, look for things that will make you laugh in those times. Laughter is good for the soul. Proverbs 17:33 speaks how good it is to have a spirit of laughter.
Approval
Whose approval are you looking for? In the process of life, we want the approval of others. That is normal. However, be honest and ask, “Whose approval do I really need?” As a Servant of God, his approval matters most!
In serving God, his ways will really surprise you. Because of your transformation, God’s strategies will change how you now handle situations. For instance, before transformation, your heart was hardened. Do you remember how Saul was changed to Apostle Paul? In this instance, you see how transformation in the heart brings Paul to seek God’s approval more than any man. Thus, consider the situation or challenge, and seek God’s wisdom for pleasing Him. Again, that makes it DURABLE!
Control
Finally, we like to be in control. Hence, challenging situations makes us feel out of control and uncomfortable. It is impossible to be in control of everything in your life. A good example of being out of control is that of a fig tree. The fig tree must have certain conditions to grow. It needs sunlight, soil and water. But it can only grow under certain conditions. For instance, the soil must be well-drained. Although it needs water, overwatering will damage the root. It needs the sunlight, but the branches require protection from the sun’s harshness. Thus, the fig tree must rely upon the control of the Creator to flourish and bear fruit. In making of the tree, it is the Creator who knows and understands the hard and dry seasons of the fig tree.
One such writer, Habakkuk, wrote that although the fig tree has no blossoms, and no fruit is on the vines, I will rejoice in my connection to the Lord – my salvation. How can he do must a thing? Habakkuk recognize s that God is always in control. Whether in dry challenging seasons, God has you (Habakkuk 3:17). He knows what it takes to make you grow to meet your challenges.
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