There is something about the perseverance of marathon runners. Great perseverance can also be seen in the football player who was tackled, then stands up to continue the game. It can be seen in the sculptor who keeps molding to evoke just the right feeling on their masterpiece. It can be seen in the counselor at a homeless shelter as she continues to have hope for the next person coming along.
Spirit-filled perseverance can be seen as a Christian keeps their trust in God, no matter the circumstance. It is startling for me to hear stories of Christians dying as a martyr in their home country, because they confessed they believe Jesus is the Messiah and Lord over all. It can also be seen when the teenager stands up to obey God, even when their friends disagree, and when the businessperson decides to act honestly in a tough situation. It can be seen in the family that keeps trusting and praising God, in the midst of financial hardship.
With God leading the way in life, we can trust that He will be faithful to guide us. As believers, we can continue to walk in Him, trusting in His lead. We do this out of thankfulness for who He is, instead of out of guilt, because He has redeemed us - we have experienced and witnessed His love, His grace, and His transforming way. Let us cling to that change He is making in us, and let us walk forward with hope and confidence in who He is. Let us be ready to reach out to serve and to witness to others with the same kind of love He has shown us.
Lord, thank You for Your mercy and Your Word. Help us cling to it, and help us get to know You more through it. Guide us in how to follow You with perseverance today. Help us share why we desire to keep our course with You leading the way. Amen.
Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.shape.com.
