James 1:4, "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Think

Surrender Leads to Victory ! There are times when the trials in our lives seem like the storyline of the movie, Groundhog Day. It's as though we are reliving the same scenarios over and over again. It could be anything from relational to financial to organizational difficulty. We try everything to avoid the challenge, but it just keeps popping up and continues to be a stumbling block. Sometimes we need to stop and ask: "Is there a reason I'm finding myself in this place again? Is there something I need to learn?" God does not waste a trial. That is why perseverance during trials is so important. We need to take the time to see what God wants to teach us, to wait and watch for what he brings to the surface. God wants to stretch us and grow us so that we may be "mature and complete, not lacking anything." While the struggle of our trials is real and difficult, know that you are not alone in it. God is always near. Ask Him to open your heart and mind, and pray for the wisdom and discernment to help you stop repeating the same scenarios. Surrender to his guidance and watch as victory replaces defeat.

Act

In the midst of trials, it is important to recall God's faithfulness. Take a moment to draw a timeline of your life. Note specific times when God guided you through trials and consider the lessons you learned that helped you move from "defeat-repeat" to lasting victory.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for always being with me as I walk through trials. I know that I tend to push ahead on my own instead of waiting for your guidance. I surrender to your leadership in my life. Show me what I need to learn so that I can grow from my current trial. In Jesus' name, Amen!