He Made Beauty from my Mess

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

On the way through town the other day, I noticed a beautiful pink dogwood blooming. As I turned onto the street where I live, vibrant purple and yellow pansies brightened the entry. Irises bloomed along the highway and phlox spilled over rock walls and across flower beds. Each plant weathered another winter. Leaves fell off, blossoms died, and the frost shriveled the plants to nothing. Yet, the green sprouted through the dirt again and produced beauty. They didn't give up.

James, Jesus' brother, speaks about what happens when we go through trials and our faith is tested. 2015 was a tough year. I suffered through some illness and diagnosis I wasn't particularly happy about. I have chronic pain and feel flat out terrible, at times. But as much as I wanted to give up at times, my faith didn't failed. Please understand, I've been discouraged. I've even been angry, but because I know beyond a doubt that Jesus is real, the Bible is true, the Holy Spirit works in me, and God loves me— I have faith that God is using my circumstances to make me a stronger more faithful follower.

As much as I dislike pain, I find joy in my circumstances and pray God uses me to help the people in my path. As a work in progress the challenges will keep coming. My prayer is to find the beauty and hang onto James 1:2-4. Praise God for creating beauty out of my mess.