Have you ever felt like giving up?
I have.

I recall a time long past when I was
so weary I would have given up on
life itself, had not the Spirit of God
impressed this question on my heart.

Are you willing to hupomeno?

Hupomeno. If it sounds like greek to you, you are right. Its the greek word I had just learned
in my Bible study class. The commentary said, it means to bear up under the load, for the pur-
pose of Christ-like-ness.

There it was. The purpose of the trial. God’s eternal perspective, knowing that He is even right
now causing all things to work together for good for those called according to His purpose. The
purpose of being conformed to the image of Christ. In short, that I become more like Jesus.

That’s what I wanted, more than anything. I wanted to respond to my present trial in the same
way He would.

I prayed a simple prayer and said yes. I would be willing to remain under the trial a little longer,
trusting God’s purpose of forever changing me. The release of the heavy load I had been carrying,
was instant. Replaced with a peace beyond my understanding.

Now some twenty plus years later I look back and stand in awe of the One who makes all things
new. The trial was temporary, for a set time with an eternal purpose to produce endurance in me.

When the winds of stormy circumstances tempt you to lose heart, call out to Jesus. He’s waiting to
hear your heart’s cry. He’ll take you to the other side of the storm.

We’re Passing through
the storm,
Be-loved of God.
Jesus is on board our battered ship
and He’s speaking peace
to stormy winds and troubled hearts.

We’re pressing through
the storm,
Child of God.
Our Captain and Navigator
controls the winds of change
and has a sure destination in mind.

We’re praying through
the storm—
Bride of Christ.
He sees and knows
when teardrops fall—
And He’s praying us
through to the
other side of the storm.

Reflections from Matthew 8:23-27; Philippians 4:12-13; Romans 8:28-29