No V-Formation, But Perseverance

I drive through a migration zone everyday to work. Today, coming home, the sky was once again filled with hundreds of geese returning from the sunny south. Now normally, the geese fly precisely in their famous V-formation, but not today.

Today the wind was so fierce that the V-formation was not even detectable from the ground and it looked like the birds were doing all they could do to 1) stick together in a group, and 2) stay airborne.

Their situation seemed odd to me for some reason.

As I pondered their predicament, it struck me that they were quite simply caught in a crosswind. It was nothing personal, it was just part of their travels. These birds were on a journey.  They knew their ultimate destination (I assume they know or would know as soon as they came upon it), and in their journey they hit some hard times that they must navigate through. Persevere through.

...Persevere.
...And that which keeps them moving forward is something within.

~

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.~James 1:12

I’m sure about this: the One who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.~Philippians 1:6

A Season of Trials

I have been reading over some of my blog posts of past and I am struck with some surprise at what I have written. Everything I write, I write for myself as much as I write for anyone else. I write what I write to serve as a reminder and encouragement in my own walk, and I need reminding these days of God's unfailing love, hesed, grace, mercy, strength, ...of perseverance...

One area that I know I need to sharpen my sword in is in the battlefield of the mind. My mind. Taking back what was stolen from me and not allowing the enemy of my soul drain me of all hope by assulting my mind needs to be a priority. I have found that I am in a new place of trials, testing, strengthening...Where is my faith in this season? Do I long after the King as I did? More so? Less so? How do I reconcile what I am going through with what I know of God and His Word? Do I really know God like I thought I did? And why am I allowing others to mandate my existence? My walk. Am I strong enough? Do I need to be? Do I really trust Him?

This time, for me, has been one of deeper soul searching. Rhyming off scripture to answer the questions of my heart and mind doesn't cut it. My spirit longs for better understanding.
Right now, I feel as though I am being led through another side of life that in the past I had so arrogantly pushed aside as being "unfortunate circumstances", "weaker or lesser faith", "rebellion", or just plain "they don't get it" attitudes. Situations that I had always figured were other people's problems, not anything I would have to deal with personally. (Yeah right. Never ask God for true understanding if you don't mean it.)
...I often wonder how this season will glorify God?

That being said, I must turn to the Word and prayer, and listen, especially when I don't feel like it, and keep going. Keep persevering. Keep hope. Trust Him to guide me through. ...It is not an easy season to say the least. But, then again, we were never promised "easy" were we?


Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.~Hebrews 10:23

in a dry stream - words..............