In Other Words: Perseverance

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erseverance – it’s a pretty big word – that takes a lot of work. For a preemie baby it may be learning how to nurse, and a persevering mother to keep on trying.  For a toddler, it’s learning how to walk and a five year old learning how to tie his shoes.  As we get older, it’s persevering through algebra, driving, marriage and parenthood.  It’s persevering through daily struggles and major life alterations.  For a dear family we know, it’s now persevering through much grief and pain after the loss of their 12 week old son/grandson from SIDS.  They have much to persevere through as each day right now is a struggle.  Their friends and family need to persevere to carry them along and continuing to pray for them.

Perseverance and can be a long lonely walk through the valley of the shadow of death and can be much slower than a snail’s pace to the ark.  It may be perseverance just to get up in the morning and face another day.    As moms our perseverance changes from staying up numerous nights in a row with a sick child to later spending many hours on knees praying for a wayward child, rather than giving up.  This kind of perseverance is a growing time. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

And, we do not need to persevere alone.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13

Our perseverance in our walk with God is just a portion of the puzzle. 

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.   2 Peter 1:5-8

What are you persevering through?  It may be slow like the snail to the goal God wants us to reach.  Our lives can be enriched, we can grow closer to Him, and God can allow opportunities because of our perseverance to share Him with others. 

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This week, Debbie is hosting “In ‘Other’ Words” at her site, Chocolate and Coffee. Be sure to visit her site and the links to the other women who have shared on this quote.
Be blessed.

 

NOTICE:  Beginning this Friday, I will be assuming the role of moderator for In “other” Words.  On Fridays come back here to read what the new quote is and who is hosting it – think about it – and then share about it on your blog on Tuesday, joining in with the other ladies.  You are welcome to participate anytime. 

~ by Loni on June 24, 2008.