As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 NIV
On July 4th, 1952 Florence Chadwick attempted to swim a long distance from Catalina Island to the California coast. She had previously swam the English Channel in both directions. The fog was so thick she could not see very far in front of her. She asked to be pulled out. Her coach kept trying to encourage her. The denseness of the fog won and she got into the boat less than 1 mile from the shore. Two months later she attempted the same swim and finished.
The blessing of perseverance. We know that there is a sense of satisfaction that comes when a long term goal is accomplished. Perhaps you have worked hard for your degree, or gained a mastery skill after extensive training. So much of the attention of the blessing focuses on the end or the moments after the goal is reached. There exists a blessing for staying faithful to the process.
Some thoughts to encourage you on your journey of persevering
- Remind yourself of the bigger goal. Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before him. In other word, Jesus looked beyond the cross to the life of those who would be set free. You endure college, because of the job opportunities that await. You change diapers again and again because you are training a child in the way they should go. Florence accomplished the goal the next time partly by remembering what it will feel like to be standing on the beach.
- Remember God is always present with you. Though you may be walking through a long, dark valley, God is with you. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Walks through the valley are made a little easier when we realize that God is walking with you. His presence on the journey makes all the difference.
- Add some light to your next step. The Bible declares that the word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It can help bring our lives back into focus when discouragement is all around. Every marathon is won by putting one foot in front of the other. No shortcuts by getting a ride. The repetition seems monotonous, but you are moving forward all the time. Let God’s word encourage you in your next step.
- Put on the garment of praise. When life is tough and hard, worship is the very last thing that you want to do. At the hardest times, just listen to good worship even if you don’t have the energy or state of mind to sing for yourself. Saturate the atmosphere with good music and words that honor God. Eventually lift up your own voice to join in the worship of the one who endured the cross.
May you be blessed with endurance along your journey and the perseverance to finish your goal. May you move forward one more time today and begin to sense the good hand of God’s favor on your life.
Blessings Love y’all