Life is an ongoing journey. What makes the journey exciting is all of the things that come across your path. However, there are times when some not so nice things decide to get in your way. Some of those things are as petrifying as a poisonous snake slithering by and rearing it’s head as you take a step closer. While they aren’t exactly fun to deal with, one only needs to learn how to handle snake crossings to overcome them.
The book of James is filled with so much support and guidance for handling all types of snakes that may come across your path. However the best part is how he discusses the attitude you should have during those times. James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” God has also promised that he will never leave or forsake us. Shouldn’t that remove all our fear? Shouldn’t this put us in a place to give God complete control of our lives? Shouldn’t this offer us uncodnitional faith? The answer to these questions may be “Yes” in the positional sense, but putting them into practice in our everyday lives is the challenge.
I have found myself facing a snake on my path. I am not afraid because of my faith. I haven't discussed work issues here before. I was reluctant to do so at first, because I am not one for a “pity party.” Yet, when I finally answered God’s nudging to be more transparent to you all, what I found was not pity, but prayers, kindness, and love!
I have not written much about my work recently. I deal with it day by day. Some days are better than others. But God keeps nudging me to continue to move forward on my path. He offers me the guidance and tools to overcome each and every snake. So, this will be no different. This summer has been particularly trying. I was expecting to move to Idaho and everything to work out perfectly, like everything will perfectly fall into place. Little did I know everything wasn't going to be as perfect as I expected it to be. Failure has come about. Finances have been tapped dry. Daily I trust God to meet my financial needs. I am itching to get a pedicure or get hi-lights. But hey it is a season. I am so thankful and full of His blessings that it isn’t anything to cause me fear. However, I have had to TRUST God each day to meet my needs in every way. What a GREAT place to be. Being an entrepreneur there will failures, there will be trials, but in the end everything will come together. I know that.
Ok, in all seriousness, I am still processing how this will affect my life. I was a bit overwhelmed with moving to Idaho in March and had a few months of depression. I had to pull myself out of the funk I could feel myself falling into, so I prayed. God lead me to read more of your Word, lead me to PRAY more. While I am not sure I am at the point of coutning it all joy, I am certain that I am blessed. God has a purpose for this in my life. I will stand this test and watch God work me through this for His purpose. I only need be open and willing to serve. Serving is a selfless act.
So, what does this all say to you for your life? Regardless of the poisonous snakes that try to slither across your path to scare you off your journey, know that God has not only promised to be with you, but to offer you the ultimate reward for your faithfulness through the trials of life. All you need do is bring each snake to God and allow Him to give you the rules and tools for handling them. Knowing that He knows every aspect of every type of poisonous snake builds your faith. As you overcome each snake your testimony to others will bring all the more glory to God. Praise Him for those snakes! Praise Him for being there to help you overcome them. Pray for His guidance, strength, and wisdom to be upon you as you persevere. The crown of life awaits you!
These are my thoughts.
