perseverance | Daily Encouragement | Page 3

Tag Archives: perseverance

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, NIV)

The disciple of Jesus receives a test as a good thing.

Although times of examination are seldom pleasant, the outcome of testing reveals the nature of the stuff we’re made. Only the person who has persevered under trial knows — really knows — the stuff of which he or she is made. Without testing, we’re just guessing.

To “pass” a test of our spiritual selves requires only perseverance. We need not persevere perfectly, but we do need to persevere faithfully.

The strength to persevere comes when we keep ours eyes fixed on Christ under even the most difficult of circumstances. Doing so assures capital “L” Life for us. We apprehend it in no other way. – Luther

Tagged perseverance, testing, the book of James, trial

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, ‘Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.’ And Saul offered up the burnt offering.” (I Samuel 13:7b-9, NIV)

The prophet Samuel had told Saul to wait for his arrival. As Saul waited for the man of God to arrive, things began to get tight: Many of his soldiers deserted. Those who remained were filled with fear.

So, Saul took matters into his own hands — in direct opposition to what he had been told, and knew from experience to be true. The fallout of Saul’s disobedience was severe.

Like Saul, we are also pressed to act contrary to God’s will and to God’s word. Sometimes, it is because our situation seems grim and begs for action. Sometimes, it is because the expectations of others influences our resolve to stand fast.

However, to be a faithful disciple of Jesus means to stand where God has placed us; or to do what God has told us. Resolve to stand in faithful obedience to God until hell freezes over — then stand on the ice! – Luther

Tagged bible, David, impatience, obedience, perseverance, Samuel, Saul, the book of 1 Samuel

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“[Zacchaeus] wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” (Luke 19:3-4, NIV)

Our circumstances will often conspire to keep us from seeing Jesus — which includes doing the thing we know in our heart that we ought to do.

Zacchaeus was short. The crowd was large — and taller than Zacchaeus. But Zacchaeus didn’t curse the crowd. He didn’t blame God; and he didn’t shrug his shoulders and surrender his desire to see Jesus.

Although short in stature, Zacchaeus’ mind was as good as anyone’s. His will was as strong as anyone’s. So, he didn’t focus on what he lacked; instead, he used what he had. The scripture says that Zacchaeus “ran ahead. . .”

Today, circumstances may conspire to keep you from following Jesus; but don’t give-in. Do not focus on what you lack; seize and employ the things you have, as Zacchaeus did — and you will not only see Jesus, but Jesus will see you! – Luther

Tagged perseverance, persistence, the book of Luke, Zacchaeus