“Perseverance wins because Jesus promises a blessing to those who, in their trials, remain faithful.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 3, 2023
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10
A borderline trivial example of perseverance was my recent attempt to repair a drippy faucet. Normally, home maintenance professionals love my amateur ventures into areas I lack expertise, knowing I will cause further damage to the original problem, thus increasing the cost of repair. Sadly, I thought I had met my match once again with the dreaded bathroom drip until I found an online instructional video that gave me the confidence to carry on. After reseating the rubber seal and spring (plumbing jargon) and stopping the drip…I was perplexed by how to reassemble the hot water handle into its original position. Flustered, I was ready to give up when my bride, Rita, suggested I turn the brass valve with a 90-degree rotation, and presto, the handle lined up! What I needed to persevere and win was expert instruction, personal coaching, and some time.
Jesus commands us to persevere, coupled with a promise of protection from a future trial. When we remember that the Lord ultimately defeats all enemies and reigns triumphantly, we have reason to be confident to carry on for Christ. Without eternity being top of mind, we become casualties to the hard circumstances of life. We panic and make knee-jerk decisions that move matters from bad to worse rather than waiting on God to get things done. Trust perseveres through pain, so we are able to gain greater knowledge of the Lord and His love. Instead of sending the harsh email in exasperation, delete it and experience greater grace and forgiveness. Trials can be tempered by a life that lingers in the Lord’s presence…restored to hopeful living.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Oswald Chambers develops this idea of our hopes being threatened by fiery trials, “If our hopes seem to be experiencing disappointment right now, it simply means that they are being purified. Every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and of God. But one of the greatest stresses in life is the stress of waiting for God. Continue to persevere spiritually.” Often it’s when we are on the verge of giving up or giving in that the Lord’s divine plan begins to unfold. A glimmer of what the Spirit is up to shows us how to grow into a better version of ourselves. To persevere is to pursue God while we wait on God, and in the process, we rest in perfect love.
Whatever you face, keep looking into the face of your Savior, Jesus Christ. The one who endured the cross amid loud, unjust criticism. He stayed the course and finished the race. Whatever hard situation you face…persevere. And in the process of perseverance, be resourceful to educate yourself by learning from those who have endured similar circumstances. Engage a mentor or coach to keep you moving forward one step at a time. Even when you feel like your progress is two steps forward and one step backward…stay in the process. Trust that in God’s timing, trials and tests will subside as you learn what the Lord is teaching you. And make sure to persevere with another…love is patient…you never forget those who remain closest during the darkest days. Perseverance wins because Jesus promises a blessing to those who remain faithful.
“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:9).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the faith and courage to carry on through difficult circumstances through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
In addition to patience…what is the Lord teaching you as you experience life’s trials and challenges?
Related Reading
1 Corinthians 13:7; 1 Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 10:36; James 5:11
Worship Resource
Red Rocks Worship: Be Still
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