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Buckle Up and Settle In

    When hard times fall on us it is hard to think of anything but, "when will this be over?" We might recognize that we have to endure trials, but it doesn't stop us for wishing them to be over as soon as possible. I believe this is the wrong perspective to have. We should be getting comfortable in those times of trial instead of being impatient for them to end. We have to recognize the significance of those times in our lives. Those are the times when we are growing our faith and they should be celebrated! Without the times that test us, we would be walking out a stagnant and lifeless faith with less Jesus and more of ourselves. If you're facing a trial right now, I encourage you to buckle up, settle in and enjoy the process of growing your relationship with Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV)

 Romans 5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance (ESV)

 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. (NIV)

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