Change is gonna come...

I recently read a wonderful blog posted by artist Pamella Warden (check out her post at faithfolk.blogspot.com for more). It had so much insight about how God views our creativity but what really stood out to me at the time was "We grow in the valleys, it has been said, not on the bright mountaintops." For me this means that when we go through trials, actually go THROUGH them, not just let them happen to us as if we are powerless, we are CHANGED by the experience. I think it is ironic how I don't like change, but at the same time there are many things and ways about myself that I don't care for. God has promised HIS presence when we face TRIALS and said that we can have VICTORY over them. 'Trial' according to Rogets Thesaurus says is "A state of pain or anguish that tests one's resiliency and character." And then goes on to list these synonyms- each with their own set of meanings-
adversity, affliction, agony, analysis, anguish, attempt, CALVARY,case, contest, crucible, demonstration, endeavor, essay, evidence, examination, experiment, hardship, hearing, inquiry, misfortune, ordeal, pain, probation, proceedings, stab, struggle, suffering, test, trial, tribulation, trouble, try, visitation, woe.
By contrast, the word VICTORY is defined as "the ultimate and decisive superiority in ANY battle or contest". Some synonyms for Victory are:
achievement-final accomplishment of something noteworthy, after much effort and often in spite of obstacles and discouragements; flourish: bloom-a flourishing healthy condition; the time or period of greatest beauty. conquest, mastery, ovation, subjugation, success, superiority, supremacy, triumph-conquer, trophy, win.
The MESSAGE bible says in James 1:2- "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." And James 1:12 "Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life."
I have just started reading a book by Kathy Freston called "Quantum Wellness". I am just in the first chapter and it is interesting. Not being familiar with Kathy's spiritual lean I offer her insight only as an encouragement with the belief that whether she credits her insight to the Creator God or not, I believe all TRUE wisdom comes from GOD. I am encouraged by her example of what quantum wellness means in relation to change...that it is not instantaneous, but rather a succession of little movements towards the goal that affect a change. I believe that God desires for us to stay on the path ever towards HIM and I think if HE showed up right this minute, rather than drag our feet we would literally RUN to HIM without hesitation. But for now if we just keep up those little movements ever in HIS direction, under HIS direction towards the changes that HE has in store for us, HE will not disappoint. And remember- "Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing! Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven--healed inside and out." James 5:13-15 The MESSAGE bible.