“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
 We are called to cast our cares on Jesus and walk like a tortoise. Have you ever seen a tortoise walk with its short and stubby feet? It looks like every step is painful. In the famous Aesop fable, “The Hare and the Tortoise,” there is a race between a rabbit and a tortoise. The tortoise wins, which makes no sense because rabbits are faster. But there’s something built into the tortoise that’s not built into the rabbit. The rabbit acted quickly and carelessly. Even though the tortoise’s steps are slow and look difficult, it keeps going.
At 16, I had to decide whether or not to make a quick investment. I worked at a Mexican restaurant making minimum wage and I read in a magazine that I could buy a Porsche Boxster for $400 a month. My dad thought it was a terrible idea and suggested I invest the money in stocks and earn dividends over time. Your personal development is no different. When you invest $400 worth in yourself of effort, or books, or mentors, or asking your spouse how you can do better, you will turn it into a fantastic heavenly kind of spiritual fortune that will have an incredible benefit to you, and so much more. Friend, you may be going through a trial, but keep going. Heaven is on the other side. You can find health, success, and accomplishments on the other side of your trials and tests. There you will find your dreams, your family, and the better version of yourself. Keep going; you’re closer than you think! God is with you, holding your hand, and on the other side is victory. |
Prayer
Father, show me how to move forward slowly and steadily.
Reflection
In what ways are you investing in yourself?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
