“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” – James 5:11

Glenn Olds was born in Sherwood, Oregon, in 1921 and was a “magna cum laude” graduate of Williamette University in Salem, Oregon. He received his bachelor of divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary and his Master of Arts degree in philosophy from Northwestern University. In 1948 he received his Ph.D. from Yale University and was appointed a member of the DePauw University faculty. He is the former President of Kent State University.

Dr. Olds recalled the sight of Mt. Rushmore as he hitch-hiked cross-country in 1941 during his junior year at Garrett. From 10 miles back, he recognized Washington and Lincoln. But in the middle was a figure that looked like Adolf Hitler.

Once close, instead of hair combed over a forehead, the young man saw guy wires, instead of a moustache, he saw scaffolding. The image stuck, and he made a note in his journal. “What was Adolf Hitler at 10 miles away was Thomas Jefferson under construction,” he said. The experience became a parable: “Almost every major problem at a distance looks bad. When you get up close, you can see it’s something terribly important under construction.”

We are all under construction, becoming more like Christ. Through the pain of this world, the Lord is constructing something beautiful of our lives. Today in prayer, praise Christ for any difficult circumstances you find yourself in and thank Him that you are under His construction.

“Pain only is a tragedy when we are looking at it from our temporary circumstances. Suffering is not intended to singe my soul, but to refine me into a vessel of immeasurable value. I am only burned when I am taking control. When I am trusting Christ, then He shapes me and my trouble becomes a trophy of God’s grace.” – Eddie Snipes

God’s Word: “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.” – Job 42:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2004, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN JAMES pkennedy@devotional.com