James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
I have been dealing with severe sleepiness during the daytime hours. It is a miracle that I am awake at all right now. To me, this is a serious trial that prevents me from doing my best work around the house, in the yard, and with my children. Furthermore, it makes it almost unbearable to teach during the day because I get so sleepy. 
The picture above highlights my tools for fighting fatigue, and I might also add God's Word to the supplies that help me combat this particular trial. In fact, this problem does not seem profound. You might just think I need a little Caffeinated beverage or a couple hours of extra sleep, or even to take some vitamins. It gets so problematic that I've seen the doctor many different times to talk about my fatigue. And even as I't typing this blog, I find my eyes trying to close. Sometimes it is simple to fix, such as a dehydration problem or needing to eat.
The temptation in this is to give in to the fatigue and sleep. But, I really have a problem with that mindset because I have a family, obligations, and a Holy God to follow. Based upon the above verse in James, I have to persevere through the fatigue and not give up and I will receive the crown of life, or basically God's favor. So, I caffeinate, take some prescribed medicine, and self medicate with vitamin B-12. So, for anybody out there that is suffering from this malady, I just want to encourage you that you can do it. You don't have to give in to the fatigue. Fight. Find what works and fight. Vitamin B12 is definitely a miracle in my life.
As an aside, I have to share about something that happened to me yesterday. I went grocery shopping with $80 and I lost track of my purchases around $50, but continued to shop because we needed food in the house. I tried to stock up on extra peanut butter, extra noodles, extra cans of fruit, and just plain what we needed. As I got to the front and the cashier began to ring up my totals, I exceeded my cash budget. I had to put back some things, but I only ended up putting back the extras that I picked up to stock my pantry. God totally provided for our family although he didn't allow any extras at this time. I feel like He wants our total trust that He will provide.
Then, on the way home I saw a man with a sign that read, "Stranded, need food and gas." I passed him, but stared because we don't often see such people in small-town Cloquet. Immediately, I felt as if God were compelling me back toward him to give him something. For an instant, I struggled with what of my groceries I could give. After all, I didn't buy any extras. Finally, I settled on two apples and a small lunch meat bag. Then I dug in my purse and found $1.70. This was absolutely nothing, but I prayed that God would have him receive it well if it were meant to be. So, I stopped and gave him my meager food and money. He thanked me. He was wearing a Bible verse on his shirt and had a bumper sticker of John 3:16 on the back of his old suburban. I don't know if this was a real guy, or what his story was, but Hebrews 13:2 came to mind. It says, " Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. So, my adventures with God are just beginning and I'm wondering what kinds of exciting things will come about in the future. Maybe I'll see that guy again in heaven. I hope he got enough money and/or food to become un-stranded.
I am praying today that through the testing of my faith, I can develop Godly perseverance, and through that maturity and wisdom, and through that faith without doubt.
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