Happy Hump Day!
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I am so happy the week is halfway over! I love when weeks go by fast- now if only we can get our work places to offer us a 3 day weekend all the time :)
I was randomly thinking on something yesterday that I say all the time but don't often think of the meaning.
Sometimes, when I talk to my god-daughter and she is crying- I joke and say "Life is hard, but we will persevere!" or when I am at work stressed I say " I will persevere and overcome!" I am always saying it in a joking way but then God had me thinking about it yesterday and how much perseverance is a Christ given power!
I am thankful for the power of perseverance.
To persevere means to dig deep and hang on despite difficulty,
opposition and discouragement.
or
continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence
We often have things come up where we have no choice but to persevere, like getting through a tough day at work or making it through a busy day with the kids when you got no sleep the night before. But what about the times we have a choice- like keeping strong in faith even when the positive outcome is no where in site? Or how about when you are changing your lifestyle for the better but you get mocked or made fun of? What about the times where you feel there is no way out?
The Bible tells us this:
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
I grew up with a dad that is not a believer in Christ. When I was young, he would mock my mother and make fun of her- but because I had not made the change for myself yet, I would just let him say things- not knowing who it was really offending.
After I gave my life to Christ about a year and a half ago, he has since started doing the same things to me. He makes fun of me, thinks I am brain-washed, and that I only believe because I don't want to face reality. He would call me stupid and that my beliefs could come between him and I.
I was financially dependent on my dad, and I also didn't want my beliefs to come in between him and I. Even being made fun of by my own dad, I had to persevere. I had to remain strong in my faith regardless of what he or anyone else said to me to persuade me another way. I prayed to God that He help me remove me from this situation and to be able to work around my dad's disrespect and show him Christ. I also prayed that He help me become financially independent so I would not have to take the abuse-because that's what it was -verbal abuse.
Although our relationship has worsened since I gave my life to Christ, God has shown me SO much in the last year how He is my true Father and He can supply anything ANYONE lacks. I am now financially independent of my dad, I stick up for myself and my beliefs, but know how to communicate in a calm way.
God brought me out of a situation where I felt stuck for a long time. Jesus blessed me with a degree, a great job and now my own house. I am financially dependent from my dad and know God only plans to increase my life more to be able to continue to persevere and bring me out of situations that bring me down.
That is just one example of how Jesus has given me the power to persevere and overcome. There are so many- but this one really touches home for me because it reminds me of how even when I felt no way out since my dad is my blood, Jesus has helped me out and placed me where I feel out of bondage and in a comfortable environment!
He has shown me to keep my eye on the prize- & my prize is Jesus- eternal life, everlasting love, peace and increase!
Another testimony of perseverance I have is here :)
It doesn't matter what things may look like- Whether you are finding your friends are not hanging out with you as much because you are making a major life change, or if you feel you will never get promoted, or if you are going through a rough time in a relationship- remember that God has given each of us the power to overcome- but we won't have that power without Him!
Rely on Jesus and trust that He will bring you out of your current situation. For all things work for the good for those who love the Lord.
Remember my favorite scripture: He will always lead you beside green pastures. Keep your perseverance and have FAITH! :)
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