As I endure, I mature.

We plant a seed.  We plant a kernel of wheat to get more wheat.  But, we don't get wheat.  Instead, we get a plant - a plant that doesn't even look like wheat.

Our plant needs attention:  resources, and protection, and nurture... and time.  Our initial sacrifice of a kernel of wheat was the small part of the cost, and we still don't have a return on our sacrifice - our investment.  Contrariwise, the cost keeps going up.  Our plant keeps demanding more and more.

This may not seem fair, but it is reality.  It is necessary.  It is required.  We can choose to quit and receive nothing.  We can choose to endure and receive the natural results of the process - 30, 60, or even 100 times as much as we planted.


We plant a kernel of wheat.                           God grows a plant.
We care for the plant.                                     God grows wheat.

 So, what's the point?

I routinely pray, "Lord, I want to know You more, and please make me more like Jesus."  I get trials and temptations of various kinds.  It doesn't look like I got what I was after.  But, then I read in 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."

I want to know Him more.  He gives me opportunity to exercise my faith in Him.
I want to be more like Jesus.  He grows my character through trials and temptations.

As I endure, I mature.

As I endure the trials, I encounter God as He sustains me, encourages me, strengthens me, comforts me.  I come to know Him more intimately.

Perseverance is not the goal.  It is simply the mark of those who love the Lord.  But, perseverance will grow me up.  It will make me more mature and complete... more like Jesus.

I want to know Him more and to be more like Him.

I get trials, and temptations of various kinds.

I seize these opportunities to exercise my faith in Him.

I get to know Him more and become more like Him...

30, 60, or even 100 times as much as before.