James 1:2-6 NIV
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Good Morning,
When I read this scripture this morning it struck me how certain words and phrases are used less, while others gain momentum.
Perseverance seems to be one of those words used less and less. We live in an immediate gratification World that says you can have it now. No waiting. No work. No effort. No commitment. You get it.
As I consider perseverance, synonyms that popped up included steadfastness, tenacity, resolve, determination. Then I recognized that these synonyms are also used less and less.
I encourage you to stake your faith in the Word. God’s Word. His gift to us that provides a roadmap of hope, history of caution and context for living full lives of purpose. God’s words are perfect and never changing and his guidance for life without shortcut or off ramps are fully contained in his Word, the Bible.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV
So continue to allow yourself to be separated from the worldly mob by living a life that reflects steadfast hope. Inexhaustible perseverance. A tenacity for sewing the truth that is Jesus everywhere that God guides your steps. A determination to live a life fully committed to growing in knowledge and relationship with Jesus.
Satan’s power diminishes and ultimately is defeated as we grow closer to the Lord through his Word and lives perpetually being filled more and more with faith and knowledge in Jesus. Evil has no power or hold where shadows or secrets are replaced with light and truth. Commit to prohibiting junk from coming in to you heart and mind by flooding yourself with words and people of truth and light.
So live a life of transparency today. Don’t worry about anyone who may be driven away by your story and your faith and walk with Jesus. They’re simply not ready to hear the good news that is Jesus Christ. You’re now tasked with being a good steward of your time because the message of hope that your life represents is needed to be heard and witnessed by untold numbers of people.
Recognize the power that God has placed within you. Believe in the new creation that you are. Understand that you are now the deliverer of hope and healing that others so desperately need. Accept the anointing on your life. Reflect the perseverance message of hope and the steadfast love that is Jesus Christ in all things.
You are God’s daughter or son. Your identity is Your Name, ‘beloved son or daughter of God.’ And that my sister or brother is more than enough.
You’ve got this!