The last several weeks, I have been all over Texas – which is quite a feat in itself. First, I cut through the middle of Texas, making my way to Lovelady. Next, up to the panhandle – Lubbock. And this past weekend, Marathon and Big Bend National Park. As a native Texan, I see splendor in every part of this marvelous state, but the beauty of Big Bend left me speechless. Yes, it is arid, rocky, and intolerant, yet as I breathed in the air and surveyed the landscape, it reminded me that even in tough places, life still thrives.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1: 2-4
Anything living in the desert has learned how to persevere. Wind, heat, and dry conditions are some of the daily trials these plants face. But, even in 
these conditions, they survive, mature, flower, and live. I didn’t see many dead plants in this park. They endure. They are strong. They lack nothing.
If we are Christians, isn’t that what we want people to see in us, to say about us. We endure. We are strong. We lack nothing. We are most certainly going to have difficulties here on earth. And James is correct – trials do indeed test our faith. When we face difficulties, we can respond in two ways – with God or without. Allowing God to guide us through trials helps us endure, makes us stronger, and with God, we will lack nothing.
So, go on – be a cactus in the desert. Be tough. Be strong. Stand firm and let God be in control. It’s not easy, but when you do this, your faithfulness produces perseverance.
Oh yea, cactus have a prickly armor. We have an armor, too. (Ephesians 6:10-20) Don’t forget to wear it so you stand strong in the desert of life!
Heavenly Father,
Help me to be joyful everyday – no matter what situation I face. And when I do encounter troubles, guide my every step and help me to be strong and persevere. Grant me wisdom, O Lord, to help me stand firm and follow you faithfully. And lead me in your everlasting ways.
Amen.
