Abundance In The Bush - Country DevotionsSample

Bogged in Joy

$50 to pay the dozer driver to pull out the bogged truck that we had to jump 19 tagged head of cattle off that took us all morning to round up and wore out our horses in the process. Cold dogs, wet boots, short tempers. We reckoned we had the rough end of the pineapple and were finding it hard to ‘consider it pure joy’!

Some people endure mind boggling challenges. Like a good friend diagnosed with incurable cancer. The cancer and ghastly chemo treatment ate away her health and physique, but could not touch her spirit. My friend honoured God by upholding His character in her words and behaviour all through her trial. In doing so she kicked Satan’s butt. The whole spiritual realm and all those around her got to see some fair dinkum faith at work. Four months after diagnosis, she went rejoicing to her homecoming in heaven.

How do we develop the ability and maturity to be battlers in the tough times and not throw in the towel? James wanted us to know that the trial is going to produce something good - perseverance. The way we handle trials shouts aloud to others whether our faith is real or not. The Message bible says it like it is: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colours” (James 1:2-3). Tests give our faith the opportunity to shine. How’s your glow?

Father, no matter what circumstances we are in, we are grateful and we thank You, because that attitude is the one You want us to have. Amen.