On Endurance, Stamina, and Zeal

"Perhaps in a small parish, he was spared the passion, but didn't feel spared the challenge.  He was feeling more surely than ever that he was exactly where God wanted him to be.  All he really needed, he knew, was the endurance to be there with stamina and zeal."

~ Reflections of Father Tim in At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

 

"Let us mark this well.  There is nothing which shows our ignorance so much as our impatience under trouble.  We forget that every cross is a message from God, and intended to do us good in the end.  Trials are intended to make us think – to wean us from the world, to send us to the Bible, to drive us to our knees."

~Thoughts from JC Ryle on Matthew 15 from his Commentary on the Gospels

 

I read both of these thoughts in the wee hours this morning, and they really struck me.  There are days that full-time mothering and homeschooling in a challenging cross-cultural environment feels like one long hard slog – an ongoing trial that just won't go away.  I will admit that I struggle at times with just wanting an out – any out – from our current situation.  But these thoughts reminded me of some important truths:

 

What I really need is 'endurance, stamina, and zeal' right where I am rather than a way out.  I need more of Him, not an easier life.

 

That leads right into the thought from Ryle: I am ignorant if I am impatient with my trials because those trials are intended for the very purpose of sending me to Him.

 

Oh Lord, help me not to be impatient for this season to end or impatient with the lack of glamour in my job.  Help me to lean harder on You, and continue in what you have called me to do in this season of my life with zeal and stamina.