Perseverance

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:4

The task didn’t come easy.  I struggled and labored, and struggled some more, yet it would not flow.  Was I forcing something I shouldn’t?  Was I trying to make something out of nothing?  God knows I’ve done that before.

Maybe this work, this toil was based on my desires, and not my Maker’s.  Was I moving along his road, or creating my own?

Why is it so hard?  I think I should quit; set it aside, and wait for it to be accomplished at another time, or through another person.  Surely my Lord will understand.  He will give me another task on another day, right?

“Why should the Lord’s work be easy?” my husband said.  “You’ve got to finish what you started.” he insisted.

Humbled, I turned my head and my heart to the Lord’s work.  “God, please give me what I need to bring glory to your Name.” I prayed.

He doesn’t need me, I know that full well.  It’s no longer what I can accomplish for him, it’s learning to let perseverance do the work that must be done – in me.

Walking in obedience; no matter how exacting, is what’s needed to get us to that holy place where we stand before God lacking in nothing.

We can count on the many perfect promises of our Lord, but perhaps the ones that speak of troubles, hinderances, and sufferings are the most difficult to journey with.

Yet, if we can push on, hold fast, and persevere when everyone, or everything presses in, I believe we will receive something our God loves to shower upon us…JOY!

Happy Thanksgiving!