Potholes.

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:3

In late March, the signs of spring are everywhere. The weather warms, the grass begins to green, the first shoots of green plants break through the soil and roads everywhere begin to break out in potholes. New York City fixes about 125,000 potholes a year. Before they do, these holes catch thousands of drivers unawares, causing millions of dollars of damage to tires, rims and undercarriages as well as numerous accidents. As Christians, we must be prepared for many unexpected tests of our faith as we journey through life.

In the book of James, the writer begins as honestly and abruptly as a gust of cold, bracing wind. “greetings,” he writes. “Count it all joy when you fall in to various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Like a trainer in the corner of a boxing ring telling his fighter that he is about to get hit in the face. Like a beekeeper being told she’s going to get stung. We are going to hit potholes in life. Even today, some of you will be cruising through your day unawares when all of a sudden –Bam! The writer goes on to give the Christian context and encouragement. The product of successfully confronting trials with patience is the creation of a stable, humble, beautiful, Christ-centered human being. And that’s what we are all striving to become. So brace yourself…here comes another hole in the road!

My prayer for you today is that God will give you the ability to confront your obstacles with the assurance the obstacle will pass and you will be stronger and better for having encountered it.

Deacon Larry Woodard