There was a conversation I had with an individual some time back who was expressing their strong desire to 'do something for God.'  This person had been enduring a season of uncomfortable circumstances that were causing him to deeply evaluate his life.  The result? He began seeking answers from His Heavenly Father; focusing his thoughts on what God wanted rather than what he wanted..

This reminds me of the activity of a mother eagle when building her nest. She builds her nest in the tallest trees on the highest mountain ledges. The nest is skillfully constructed by first laying down thorns, jagged stones and many sharp objects. Each of these materials seem useless in nest construction, but there is sound reason for this.

Afterward she covers it with a thick layer of wool, feathers and fur of animals she has killed. The rustic foundation of that nest becomes padded and comfortable, providing a perfect place for the baby eagles that will soon hatch.

Those eaglets will know delightful warmth and safety in that nest, but will not be allowed to stay there forever. The time will come when the mother eagle, who so diligently built that nest, will begin to remove the soft layers, causing her young to feel the jabs of the sharp rocks and thorns beneath. And those youngsters will no longer have their mother deliver their food directly to them, dropping it into their mouths. Their nest will be stirred up to the point that they are willing to evict themselves in order to find more comfortable surroundings. The mother eagle behaves in this manner, not to be cruel, but to stir them on to maturity and growth, equipping her young for future survival.

Be encouraged by this example from nature. Your present challenges might seem rough now, as with the young man mentioned above, but you can use these difficulties to become stronger. We are promised in God's Word that He will never leave us or forsake us, He will always be our refuge, our strength and joy. When we remain faithful to the Lord in testing, He rewards us. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2)