I remember when I was in high school I worked after school and during the summers at a friend’s family-owned produce market. It was a very popular store and was often very busy, especially during holidays and on Saturday. Many times I, along with the other employees, would get distracted from our work because of the large number of customers that came in. Certainly not a bad problem for a business to have, but the store’s owner wanted us to get our work done and tend to all of the customers. And if I remember correctly, he was not shy in voicing his displeasure if things were not done correctly
In the back room of the store, someone had hung a poster of a man standing waist-deep in a swamp surrounded by alligators. Underneath was the caption, “When you are up to your waist in alligators, it is difficult to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp!” It comically reminded us that when we got so busy, we needed to remember that we had an overall purpose – to help run a business that kept the customers returning.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)
The above passage from the New Testament book of James is, for many, one of the most difficult to accept. When we are in the midst of a difficult time it is often tough to express our joy in the circumstances. But this passage reminds us that there is an overall objective – God’s objective. The word translated in the NIV as perseverance is in Greek hypomone which indicates a steadfastness, not being easily swayed. And in verse 4 we are told of this greater overall objective; so that we may be mature and complete. Isn’t that what we are striving for? For God to view us as mature and complete? Faith in God is trusting that, even when we do not see the overall objective, He is constantly moving us toward that point where He will look upon us as mature and complete.
Ask God today to remind you that He is the one who has the overall objective. Submit yourself to Him, even if it means a few alligators.
