We’ve been talking about perseverance. In the Bible, James gave some very down-to-earth counsel to those enduring hardship: “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered” (James 5:10-11). … Continue reading Look to the example of others
perseverance
Patience follows hope
It’s good to be patient. My Louw-Nida Greek dictionary defines patience like this: “a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation.” In James 5:7-8, we learn WHY we can be patient. As his readers face hardship, he says this: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until … Continue reading Patience follows hope
I think I can, I think I can…
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). A famous and much-beloved children’s book is called The Little Engine that Could.* You know the one. A big, long train needs to be pulled over the mountain. It needs another train to do it. A large, strong engine refuses. Then another … Continue reading I think I can, I think I can…
They refine you
In James 1:2-3 we read: “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.” Wow, that’s heavy. But what is a “trial,” anyway? A trial is a difficulty we face on the path of life which, in how … Continue reading They refine you
You can’t stand on quicksand
Yesterday I said that wisdom is hearing Jesus’ words and putting them into practice. Sounds good, right? But it also sounds STABILIZING. Here’s why.
A great cloud of witnesses
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). In 1534 Thomas More … Continue reading A great cloud of witnesses
Moments to tone the muscle of your character
Jonathan Haidt is a psychologist who did a hypothetical experiment. People were given a summary of the life story of a girl named Jillian. Here are some of the details: At a young age, Jillian developed a learning disability which would delay her ability to read, and which impacted her grades and work throughout life. … Continue reading Moments to tone the muscle of your character
Shouts in your pain
What I’m about to say might be difficult to hear. But God can grow you through what you go through. Even when it’s difficult. In Romans, Paul explains that when we are given eternal peace with God through Christ, it changes our perspective about everything else. “And we boast in the hope of the glory … Continue reading Shouts in your pain
Not made of stuff that sinks
Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). There was a cork who was having a great time just … Continue reading Not made of stuff that sinks
The power of perseverance
King David was able to persevere through many challenges in his life. I think he was able to do this—even through such pain and difficulty—because he was CALLED by God to a godly purpose. 1 Samuel 16 tells the story of his anointing as the future king of Israel. He knew that God has summoned … Continue reading The power of perseverance
