"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."
(James 1:2-4 NIV)
A dear friend once told me that a butterfly can still take to the
air even if it had lost 75 percent of its wingspan. What a miracle, and
yet society would most likely categorize such a disfigured insect as
being disabled. Surely, our Creator enabled her still to fly, to have a
purpose, to carry pollen from plant to plant. If people would only take
a closer look, they would see how encouraging her perseverance is to
anyone struggling with disabilities.
Without warning, a severe form of arthritis crippled my wings.
Learning to fly differently has been extremely challenging, humbling,
and at times downright scary! Miraculously, being forced out of my
comfort zone, I have new clarity and depth to my life — so much so, that
I can honestly say that I believe that the testing of my faith is
enabling perseverance. Therefore, on the days when I feel that I can't
bear another flare-up, I cling to the joy of knowing that perseverance
will finish its work, so that I will be mature and complete, not lacking
anything!
Waking early this morning, I knew from past experience that I
would need to walk and stretch out my sore muscles; otherwise, my day
would not go well. With every step, I moaned inwardly, until a robin
broke my thoughts, as it chirped a hello from the cedars nearby.
Thanking the good Lord for this distraction, I began noticing the woody
fragrance coming from the dew-laden branches nearby and paused to bathe
in the warmth of the sun's healing rays as they filtered through the
surrounding tall trees. Before long, my steps were less shaky, and I was
excited to face the day. Truth be told, before arthritis took its toll,
I had hurried through most of my waking hours, forever trying to catch a
glimpse of tomorrow, a pattern that had left me mindlessly missing out
on all the precious moments of today — moments lost forever!
Finally, dear friends, would I consider myself disabled or
mislabelled? My answer is neither, for I am enabled by the grace of God.
I know that, because God lifted me up with His wings. His love is the
reason that I soar!
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will
find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm
91:4 NIV)
So be encouraged, dear one, if you are feeling overwhelmed with
fatigue and pain. You are not alone! God is watching over you.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, Lord, grant us the wisdom to see
beyond our differences and have respect and compassion for those who are
struggling with physical and mental pain. Give them peace, purpose, and
hope, so that they can persevere until that glorious day when they will
be made whole. Amen.
Lois Macdonald
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.