Even when the going gets too difficult to keep going; keep on going anyways. -GB
Hi friend, welcome to another post for a new week. :)
This week's devotional is going to be a short one, but hopefully a personal and powerful one.
Last week's devotional was about resilience and this week I felt lead to take it a step further, thus the title: Perseverance.
Fun story: I asked my husband just before I wrote this who he thought was one of the greatest examples of perseverance in the Bible and his answer was Joseph. Of course he didn't know who or what I was writing about at that time, but I found it fascinating that he came up with the same character I would've chosen.
Even though Joseph was our pick, I'm sure there are many of you that would either agree or come up with someone else that has inspired you with their story of perseverance [in the Bible]. I'm thankful that the Bible is full of so many positive examples of people who were in many cases, just like us; yet showed incredible faith and perseverance.
The word perseverance according to Webster's dictionary is defined as "continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
What is God calling you to accomplish right now, despite the circumstances that are surrounding you?
Joseph was sold into slavery at a young age [Gen 37:12-36]. He didn't have to remain true to his faith or upbringing, but he did. He chose purity over position at Potiphar's house and refused to compromise his integrity with Potiphar's wife [Gen 39]. He then lands in prison and despite his faithfulness and even helping other prisoners, still spent a lot of time in there for a crime he never committed [Gen 40].
Sometime I wonder if the roles were reversed and the Lord had called one of us to walk the steps Joseph did, how much perseverance would take place? How many of us would stay true to God/ the calling/ ministry/job... while we continue to face hardship?
Society today has become accustomed to quick results. Frankly I love quick results too. But the truth is, the things that are worth a lot usually take time and hard work.
This week, I've had so many things on my mind including timelines/deadlines that haven't been met because of hardships that I've been going through. In fact, at one point I felt a little discouragement; but as I write this, I am reminded that God has not forsaken or left me. Neither has He left or abandoned you. Yes, you too friend.
All of the difficult circumstances surrounding you right now are for your good according to Rom 8:28.
In my personal Bible reading, I completed the book of Job this past week, and was struck by the ending. As most of us know, Job lost so much; including children and wealth. He even had some of his closest friends including his wife condemn him for holding on to God during the hardship he faced for a season in his life. However, I was encouraged that he remained steadfast and true in his commitment. In the end, Job was rewarded with much more than he had at the beginning of his life [Job 42:12-17]
Conclusion
I realize today's post had a different tone, but I just felt lead to encourage someone (perhaps just myself) to keep on going. Stay true to the word of God and the values He has deposited in your life.
One of the things I am learning about life is that you don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to take it one day at a time. So friend, my encouragement today is for you to persevere even without all the answers. God has a plan for all of the struggles and difficulties you are walking through and if you stay faithful to Him, in due time, He will use it all for His glory.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the reminder today. Though painful, I'm grateful for the difficult circumstances and situations coming my way. I believe you have a plan for my life and I trust you with it. Please help me to dig more into your word and lean on you on these difficult days. Help me to trust you wholeheartedly. Help me to not compromise, complain or become bitter from the things life throws at me. Help me trust the process and know that you are working all things for my good. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Keep persevering and Stay Blessed
❤
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