Love Month: Day 12

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and be persevering produce a good crop.

Luke 8:15

Perseverance ... what's the word bring to your mind? Determination? Frustration? Faithfulness? Hanging in there no matter what? I think all of those can be words that come to mind. So often we tell each other to persevere through the hard times because we believe that God will be faithful to us and bring about good through our hardships. It sort of goes hand in hand with the scripture that says, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to see it to completion".

I find it comforting to know that in my day to day life God is working on me... trimming, pruning, fertilizing, and watering... As I remain faithful to Him he continues to give me opportunities to bloom and grow. As I produce fruit for the Lord he is so pleased. Maybe it's fruit in the form of kindness, affection, love, patience with my kids or husband, using my gifts for his glory, encouraging a friend, being affective for his kingdom, reaching out to a stranger, or simply having a heart soft and ready to "do" when he says, "now".

I'd love to say these are easy... that they come natural... and flow from me all at the same time! They don't.... but with the Holy Spirit, I am convicted when my attitudes or actions are less than pleasing and I can seek forgiveness and come back into the protection of my Father's embrace and blessing... and the shaping of my heart can continue...

Always a work in process...