Perseverance
There are so many Scripture verses that encourage us to persevere in our Christian faith and move on in our walk with God. I definitely want to do this, but I don’t want to “white knuckle” it to the end. I want to enjoy the journey and find purpose along the way.
There is a purpose we each have in God. It is different for each of us but we all must seek to know that purpose at every age and strive to fulfill it by God’s grace. In younger years, we are learning valuable life skills that will equip us for life in general. We are also preparing to possibly be married and raise a family. As we grow older, we gain perspective on life in general and the Christian walk. We learn how to share these insights to help others in their Christian journey and life skills. Not everyone experiences the same things in life. The experiences of others help equip and balance us if we are open to learn from them. Your experiences may feel ordinary to you, but they may hold a key that will strengthen someone else’s faith and walk with God.
God is always working behind the scenes of our life to develop His purpose. He works to make us soft and relatable. He wants us to be approachable to those around us so that we can offer encouragement and hope. We want to be able to speak with clarity and assurance. We develop a powerful testimony as we endure loss, navigate disappointment and witness God’s faithfulness over decades. These experiences cannot be learned in a textbook or a podcast. They come from a life that has been lived with perseverance.
James 1:2-4 “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (patience). But endurance (patience) must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
Ants are relentless, amazing little creatures. Proverbs 6:6 tells us to consider them and their ways. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise:”
Here are a few ways an ant illustrates perseverance:
* Keeps moving forward even when its path is blocked.
* Works consistently, not just when it is easy.
* Prepares ahead, gathering food before it is urgently needed.
* Doesn’t let its size limit its determination – small efforts over time accomplish
great things.
Life lesson from the ant: Perseverance isn’t about never facing obstacles – it’s about refusing to let obstacles stop you. Small, faithful steps taken every day can accomplish remarkable things.
The ant reminds us that perseverance is less about strength and more about faithful, steady perseverance – continuing forward one step at a time.
There is a mindset in perseverance:
We need to remember that as long as God has given us another day, He has also given us opportunities to love, to serve, and to point others toward Him.
So persevere my friends!
