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James 1:2-4, 12 NIV
"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. ....Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
We've all had to wait on something we've wanted at some time in our lives, and at times, patience comes at a premium. I know that I have had to learn the hard way that praying for patience results in a series of "stress tests" if you will, as God checks to see how well you are doing in your development of patience. As we live the Christian life, we have to learn patience in our daily walk in order persevere and be able to see God's hand at work in our lives. My son, Jim, had a lesson in perseverance the morning he killed his first turkey. We had hunted several days on the family farm, and had heard several turkeys gobble in response to our calling, but were unable to "close the deal" with old Tom Turkey. We were preparing to call it a morning, once again feeling dejected, and as we got back to my truck, I decided to make one last attempt. I hit the box call and a thunderous reply came from less than fifty yards away! Quickly, we donned our gloves and facemasks and slipped over into the planted pines and away from the truck, lest the gobbler should see it and reverse course. We set up in a clearing about forty yards up, and with only a few yelps needed, a nice bird with 1 1/8 inch spurs and an 11 inch beard strutted into view. Jim made an excellent shot at close range and the celebration was on! Hugs and high fives punctuated the primal dance we found ourselves doing over the bird. Some goals in life are worth the perseverance that is required to reach them. Just as we experienced the joy of harvesting Jim's first turkey, we experience the joy of God's creation, as He intended us to. We are thankful for all of His blessings and should never take for granted the gifts they are to us. I pray that as you read this and you enjoy the blessings of your outdoor experiences, you will take time to stop and give thanks to our heavenly Father, who gave us life through his most precious gift, Jesus Christ.
Cleve Freeman |
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