Wisdom for Wednesday - No Strain, No Strength

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I really like this quote. It applies to so many areas of life--not just our spiritual lives.

Oswald Chambers was speaking of our spiritual strength--or the strength of our faith. Our faith gets stronger with each test, each trial. God never promised us an easy life--quite the opposite. 

James 1:2 says "...when ye fall into diverse temptations;" Notice it doesn't say 'if.' 

Our faith will be tested. 

Will we let the strain make us stronger?

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1: 2-4

Wisdom for Wednesday - Faith Untried...

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I love this reminder when I am going through a difficult time. Spurgeon* goes on to say, "Faith increases in solidity, assurance, and intensity, the more it is exercised with tribulation."

 

May it be an encouragement to you today...or a coming day when you feel like you are being tried and tested.

 

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

2 Peter 1:7

 

*Strengthen My Spirit by Charles Spurgeon, page 55

Wisdom for Wednesday - New Series

Kristi and I are very excited to kick off a new series on our blog today - Wisdom for Wednesday! Don't worry, it is not our wisdom we are talking about.

 

We want to use Wednesdays on our blog to share inspirational quotes with you. Sometimes they may be teaching related, and sometimes they will just be meant to encourage our faith. We know there are many fellow teachers out there who, like us, need a little encouragement mid-week--especially during the busy school year.

 

 

So here we go...the first Wisdom for Wednesday!  

 

While the quote speaks volumes all by itself, read on if you want to hear what it means to me.

 

I love this challenge to be careful with the talents and gifts we have been given. I'll admit I struggled a little bit with the idea of starting the Wisdom for Wednesday series...knowing not everyone reading will appreciate it...fearing unkind comments. However, I finally realized that Kristi and I just needed to be who we are and not worry about pleasing everyone on "blogland." I needed to be willing to use this little blog in the way the Lord wanted me to so I finally brought the idea up to Kristi. And of course, she was all for it. 

 

One way to be careful with the best we have is to make sure we are using our talents and gifts for the Lord. My mind immediately goes to Colossians 3:17, "And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." That scripture covers anything we do in life -- even blogging! I refer to it often to remind myself and my family to remember why we do the things we do. I have even written that on a note to my own kids on testing days at school. The quote (and second half of the verse) reminds me that I also need to be thankful for the best I have...being careful not to take the blessings, gifts, and talents I've been given for granted.

 

Thanks for letting us share a little Wisdom for Wednesday. Have a blessed day!