perseverance | Daily Encouragement

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt.” (I Samuel 15:2, NIV)

There are times in life when others deal unfairly — or even ruthlessly — with us, as the Amalekites did with the Children of Israel during their time in the wilderness.

There is no denying the pain of a betrayal, or the expense of the remedies; but as a disciple of Jesus, we must remain focused on the task(s) God has set before us.

The Lord God did not forget the offenses of the Amalekites. At a time of the Lord’s choosing, he addressed the offenses of Israel’s enemies. He will do the same for us if — repeat — if we will forego vengeance, keeping scores, and bearing grudges against those who have wounded us.

Our heavenly Father has these things “for action.” Our assigned task is to remain utterly faithful to do all that He has set before us. – Luther

Tagged patience, perseverance, the book of 1 Samuel, vengeance

December 4

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Uncategorized Aside

“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)

Suffering is the “tax” that all of God’s creatures pay for the corruption of Creation. In a perfect world, suffering would not exist. Yet, our world — though wonderful and good in so many respects — is not perfect.

Suffering is difficult, inconvenient, confounding, and often expensive in time and treasure. If you do not think suffering to be a blessing — you are correct to think so! It is perseverance through suffering that we admire. It is fidelity through adversity that we cheer.

The blessing in perseverance is not the “finish line,” but the course (whether it be an obstacle course, a race course, or a course of study).

Perseverance not only reveals the nature of our character, and improves it; it reveals God’s character for what it has always been: Full of compassion and mercy. – Luther