Contemplative Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:2-4 (New Living Translation)

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

I have read this many times. I understand it. Troubles bring trials, and when I endure the trials I am stronger for it. I am better for it because my endurance develops and matures.

Trouble is, I don’t seem to be so joyous when in trouble. Later, perhaps. During, no.

One of my failings is that I have a remembering problem. When I am in trouble, I can’t seem to remember. I can’t seem to remind myself, “Okay, this is trouble, but come one, it isn’t that much trouble. You will see your way through this with the Lord and your endurance will grow.” Instead, I think all sorts of nonconstructive things that I will not mention at this time.

God, help me to remember. Help me in my unbelief.