Hard Work, Low Pay...

As a young man, looking for adventure in the outdoors and not knowing what else to do with my life, I joined the California Conservation Corps. Their recruiting motto is ‘Hard work, low pay, miserable conditions… and more!’ The thrill of my new adventure was soon tempered by the fact that the motto was true. I was working hard for low wages in a difficult environment.

As a new believer in Christ, I was beginning to discover the connection between my perseverance and God’s desire to shape my character. Later, I read the biblical account of the way Laban tricked Jacob into working for a wife he did not choose. Under Laban’s supervision, Jacob worked through extreme temperatures, sleepless nights and unfair treatment. And God blessed him because of his faithful endurance; he used the experience to shape Jacob’s character.

The story is a reminder of how God can shape us through adversity. As we remain faithful and persevere through difficult circumstances, God is faithful to cultivate in us the character of Christ. By God’s grace, we can emerge from our trials stronger and more conformed to the image of Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us grace to endure adversity, confident that you are at work in us, making us more like Christ. Amen