Perseverance…

In life, it is not always easy to persevere; there are many obstacles that come to discourage and distract you. The most important thing to remember during these times of difficulty is that endurance and perseverance makes a difference. It is easy to give up, but to press on takes dedication. The Bible says in Galatians 6:9 NIV; “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The Bible teaches us in this passage of Scripture that we should endure and press through; it is on the other side of your obedience and perseverance that the blessing is waiting. 

No matter who you are or what phase of life you are in, you can make it through. Each person has their own set of struggles, difficulties, and trials. There is not an individual that has not endured something in their life; perfection is not attainable on this earth. However, we can strive for excellence and press on to run the race for Jesus Christ. When you are faithful, the Lord gives a promise that He will see you through; He will bless you in this life and in the life to come. It is in the trials and tests you face that you become refined before the Lord. The Bible says; “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4 NIV). When matters arise in your life it is important to seek the Lord, to keep faith in your heart, and to exercise perseverance. It is in times of perseverance that you will grow and mature; and be made ready for the plans that God has for your life.

A perfect example of this is displayed in the Scriptures about a man named Joseph. The Bible shares that Joseph was a boy who was loved by his father and loved by God. He was given a beautiful coat, as a symbol of his father’s favor and love towards him; and this made his brother’s exceedingly jealous.  Due to this, they sold Joseph into slavery behind their father’s back, and sent him away against his will. Joseph was recognized by his master Potiphar as a young man who flourished even in the midst of adverse circumstances; because of this he was made the head of Potiphar’s home. Potiphar was a high official in the land who Joseph found favor with. He did well in this job and cared for Potiphar’s household like it was his own.

Potiphar had a wicked wife who made many advances towards Joseph. When he would not reciprocate, she made up a lie against him. Due to this, he was sent to prison. Later he was released from prison and he was placed second in command in all of Egypt under Pharaoh the king. Later he saw his family, he forgave his brothers, and extended his hand to help them in their most desperate time of need. It was his position in the land of Egypt that enabled him to do this. Everything that the devil had meant for evil in his life, God turned for His good.

The moral of this story is that Joseph did not turn his back on God; he kept faith in his heart, and persevered. When matters arise it is how you respond to the Lord and to those around you that makes the difference. Allowing the trials in your life to become stepping- stones rather than stumbling blocks is vital. Often when a person endures hardship, they harden their heart and turn away from Jesus. This is a trap of the devil and exactly what he wants to have happen. It is the individuals that humble themselves before the Lord and seek Him in times of difficulty that pull through and continue on. The tests and trials they endure become a great testimony to those around them; and their lives are used for God’s purposes. Your life can be a shining example for Christ. You do not have to be in the full time ministry to have a great impact for Him. The way you carry yourself, the example you set, and the love of Jesus in your heart, can make a difference in your community and in the lives of those around you.

Are you facing a tough time in your life? If so, then keep faith in your heart and seek the Lord. He will provide answers for your life and lead you in all His ways. Is someone you know facing a difficult time? If so, then reach out to them during their time of need. Often when matters arise in a person’s life, their first response is to turn inward. It is when you turn outward, and reach out to someone else that is hurting that you will receive your answer from Heaven. You can start by praying this prayer aloud;

Dear Lord Jesus,

I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I ask that You would help me to persevere and to keep faith in my heart. I ask that You would guide me in all my ways and that Your will would be done in my life. I thank You for answers from Heaven and I set my sight upon You, Lord.

In Jesus Name I Pray,

Amen