A Happy and Thankful Thanksgiving to you all! Continuing with yesterday’s subject of persisting through all.
The ultimate example of sticking to it is, of course, Jesus himself, as he wrestled in the garden with the temptation to draw back from the extreme suffering of death on the cross and abandonment by His Father. And He worked it through, sticking to the plan so He could redeem us all.
In the midst of the difficulties into which God has called each of us, He is doing some important things in us. James 1:2-4 is a familiar passage that gives us perspective: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
There is the same concept of perseverance again: “He who persists wins.” And what does a “persister” win? “… that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
The next time you are tempted to give up on what God has called you to, wanting to move on to something easier and more comfortable, remember these verses in James. He has not called us to comfort but to completeness—and this can only come by persisting in the face of trials. He who persists in obeying God wins.
Prayer: “Lord, I am so weak, so prone to seek comfort rather than your glory. Help me to persist in what you have called me to. Help me to take up your grace, your power, your endurance today and join you in the work you have for me. Amen”
Picture: persistence in fox trapping at 50 below zero
