I want to be rich. Like most of you, I haven’t won the lottery so I’m not talking about that type of wealth. I’m talking about the inner riches that only comes from God. The type that can be gained through perseverance; through prayer and steadfastness of faith; by holding on when you feel like the odds are stacked against you.
Sometimes I get so caught up in the challenges of my life that I can’t see God. I want instant answers. I get mad. I get blinded by lies about who I am, what I’m worth, and how God feels about me. But even during those bouts of depression and confusion, I do a few things right. I tell trusted friends what I’m feeling (very important). I continue to pray. I continue to search the Scriptures for answers. I hold on, and I continue to stand my ground.
Ephesians 6: 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
God has a plan. And according to Romans 8:28, it’s a good one. Someone told me many years ago that when I am going through the hardest of times, I’m getting ready to turn a corner of spiritual growth. I’ve never forgotten that. Sometimes God gives us instantaneous answers to our prayers. I love it when that happens. And sometimes we need to persevere and pray through the trials and believe that that God has a plan for us. A hope and a future for us.
Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I know for me, it’s taken this injury to help me see how as an able-bodied person I was enslaved to quick fixes. I wanted to hurry up and get physically fit. I wanted to hurry up and get more material things. I wanted to hurry up and get a boyfriend. Well, there’s not much quick about my life now. I can’t move! I’m not saying that to gain pity, I’m simply stating that I’ve learned a great lesson in patience through all of this.
Even during the days when I was toting my Bible to church every Sunday and proclaiming my righteousness, I still couldn’t see the grace of God. I still didn’t understand that he wanted more for me than a bunch of quick victories. Sometimes it’s about the fight.
James 1: 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
As difficult as my life circumstances can be, I believe God is transforming me into a person who is learning to be fulfilled. At peace. Thankful. If you read my blog at all you know that I’m not there yet! I have as many emotional peaks and valleys as there are seconds in a day. And yet I am learning to fight the good fight. To persevere. To hold onto the truth about God. And to understand that prosperity will come.
Diary of a Quadriplegic 
As always, you nail down what it means to be a Christian. I love your blog. Nahum 1:3 says that the clouds are the dusts of God’s feet. Thought of it when I read your friend telling you that hard times are ‘corners.’ I am sure God is growing a harvest for you in this that you could never have produced. Thanks again for sharing. your thankful sister-in-Christ
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Thank you, Billie Jo. I love the Scripture you shared. Don’t think I’ve read it before, so thank you!
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So true, so true, so true! Terri, you have turned many a corner in your spiritual growth and we know that there are many more corners ahead. But I know that God is faithful and that His eye is trained on you. HE will see you through. Love you! Betsy
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True, True, True. You have been equipped to turn so many corners in your spiritual growth! I know that God is faithful and that He will continue to be with you in strength when you are weak. I can see growth in you even since the last time we talked. I am proud of you and Thankful to our Father. Love you, Betsy
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Terri, Your posts always strike a chord with me. Many times I want those quick fixes too! I’ve been struggling with my health and have days where I feel I can put into perspective and feel joy even in pain. But then I reach a day like the last few and I think “Really??? When will this stop!?” I so appreciate how you share your heart and soul in your writing. I look forward to your posts and how much they resonate with me and encourage me. Thank you for your honesty and your wisdom. Sometimes it takes me hearing scripture and viewpoints from others to understand the true message. I pray that God continues to heal us in ways that only He can so we can live the life He intended for us. Love you!
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Hi Terri:
You express yourself so beautifully and give me cause to pause and reflect! Thank you for sharing your journey and faith! I wish you deep peace, gratitude, patience and prosperity. Sending love your way!
Kimberly
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You may have highs and lows and feel you try to persevere through it all, but God is right there with you. I hear him in every word you write. Love you!
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What a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and power. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Thank you, Terri. Please, please, please keep writing. Your insights and your transparency reach me and teach me. I share your posts with others, including my three adult children in three other states. I read 2 Timothy again this week. I was in chapter 4 this morning. Just before I read your post, I wrote on an index card: “Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith. Long for His appearing. Receive the crown of righteousness.” Terri, your fight is valiant. Your race inspires me–and countless others. Your tenacity to hold on to faith strengthens my own walk. I love you. I hope to see you very soon.
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Hi Terri – Marshele directed me here through FB. I immediately thought of 2 Timothy 4 when reading your post, one of my favorites – filled with inspiration and hope. It is perfect. Stay strong in your faith, it is the only thing we can ever hold on to in the midst of all of the unknowns. The grass may wither and the flowers may fade, but the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40.8) Peace Terri & have a beautiful day! 🙂 ❤
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Terri, thank you for your honesty and willingness to express how you really feel and not what you think people want to hear. I have been thinking deeply about what it means to be prosperous and how it can’t be found in the things of this world but only through the will of God. Thank you for allowing God to work through you…..
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Thank-you for this inspiring word! You amaze and convict me.
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Emgooch@msn.com
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Terri, every time I read your posts I see the light of Christ, the glory of God shining out of that broken jar of clay. You’re sharing about the fragile jar honestly, using the scriptures powerfully, and being changed. I CAN SEE IT! Love, Betsy
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Your paragraph right before the James quotation reminded me of a company I heard about years ago. The owner had high standards for the company; very lofty, in fact. Someone at a conference asked him if he might not want to set things that were a bit more within reach. He smiled and said that while they might not always fulfill their goals, that’s OK, because it’s in the trying that you succeed!
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