By Retired Pastor Madison C. Brown
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
“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.”
Walking with the Lord isn’t a sprint; it’s a lifelong journey filled with unexpected turns, and moments that stretch our faith. Along the way, we encounter trials, detours, that challenge our endurance. But Scripture reminds us, patience isn’t optional, it’s essential. Without patience, we risk stepping outside God’s timing, misinterpreting His purpose, or walking away just before the breakthrough arrives. Maybe you’ve noticed this pattern in your life. Faith isn’t static; it ebbs and flows. There are seasons when we burn with passion for God. And there are seasons when that fire feels distant, when distractions crowd our hearts, and when doubt whispers louder than truth. If you’ve ever found yourself there, I want to encourage you; you’re not alone. In fact, I’ve walked that same path, which led me to write The Wheel of Deception, a book born from recognizing how the enemy works to quietly weaken our connection with the Lord. The enemy’s strategy isn’t always bold attacks, its often subtle distractions, persistent discouragement, and spiritual fatigue that slowly pull us off course. But here’s the good news, while the enemy’s mission is to steal, kill, and destroy, God, the Master Potter never stops shaping, restoring, and renewing us. His desire is to heal our brokenness, reignite our passion, and strengthen our faith. When we recognize the enemy’s deception and turn back to the Master Potter, we step off the wheel. We discover the abundant life Jesus promised. We remember the purpose that first ignited our walk with Him. The battle is real but so is the victory. If you’re ready to reclaim your faith and walk in renewed purpose, I invite you to explore The Wheel of Deception, available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.