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 NIV
While showing my grandson a video of a bird hatching out of its shell, he asked if we could help it. He became very sad watching the baby bird struggle to get free. I told him that no, we couldn’t help it. He said, “I would break that shell right open.” I then explained to him that if we helped the baby bird break out of its shell, it wouldn’t survive. A bird develops the muscles it needs to survive by pecking its way out of its shell. A chick struggles, rests, then struggles some more. Eventually, the baby bird makes its way out of the shell. The chick can then grow to become a strong, healthy bird. We humans could definitely learn from our feathered friends. No one likes going through struggles, but those difficult times are the very things that develop the spiritual muscles we need to survive life. Never curse the bad times—they are the reason we appreciate and grow in the good times. After explaining how helping the baby bird would actually harm him, my grandson was satisfied. As we watched the video, we cheered the little bird on. Our Father in heaven does exactly the same thing for us every day. He cheers for us as we struggle through hard times and eventually come out on top, stronger and more secure in our relationship with Him.
Father, help me to see my struggles in life as stepping stones to maturity.
Thank You, Lord, that I am not alone, for You are with me in every trial.