If you are like me, I have difficulty laying my head down at night with unresolved issues on the horizon. More often than not, I am one who likes to have issues, circumstances or situations resolved sooner than later. If not, I can lay awake in bed worrying about these issues. I know! I know! In my previous blog entry, I spoke concerning not worrying about tomorrow. I never said that I don’t have relapses when it comes to anxiety. Nevertheless, the reality is that there are circumstances in life that cannot be resolved in a short amount of time. As a result (and in addition to embracing Matthew 6:34), it has been helpful for me to understand that some issues in life can be resolved quickly while others are tensions to be managed. This is another insight I received from the same pastor friend/colleague that I referenced in my previous entry. Perhaps God doesn’t want quick resolution in all things because this can result in bypassing the spiritual maturing component. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “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.”
We can have joy in the midst of difficulties because we know that difficulties have a purpose – the maturing of our faith. Keep the faith, Pastor Tony |
AuthorOriginally from Huntington Beach, CA, Tony received his Bachelor's degree in religion from USC and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology. Tony loves spending time with his wife, Sheri, and their two sons and daughter (Bryce, Braden, and Brooke); cheering for the USC Trojan football team; and playing tennis. Archives
August 2019
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