” 11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.”
1 Chronicles 16:11
Today, as I enjoy the comfort of my new home in Harbor Beach, God led me to address perseverance—an essential virtue for every believer.
Throughout my entire adult life, if there is one strength I’ve leveraged more than any other, it has to be perseverance.
You see, I grew up poor. I grew up watching my father fix things, mend things, make things.
From fixing planes to building racecars, hunting, fishing, driving and flying, my father did precisely what he was called to do: He raised me to be a better version of him.
More importantly, my father taught me how to get the job done, how to persevere.
Life’s journey is filled with challenges, trials, and setbacks that can easily lead us astray or cause us to lose heart. However, when we persevere, we honor God and demonstrate His power at work within us. Through the empowering grace of our Savior, we can navigate the storms of life, overcome obstacles, and bring glory to His name.
Understanding the Call to Persevere
Perseverance is more than mere endurance; it is a steadfast commitment to continue moving forward despite difficulties.
As followers of Christ, we are called to persevere in various aspects of our lives.
We are to persevere in faith, holding firm to our beliefs and trusting in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem dire.
We are to persevere in prayer, persistently seeking God’s guidance, strength, and intervention.
We are to persevere in love, extending grace, forgiveness, and compassion to others, even when it feels challenging.
Nurturing a Spirit of Perseverance
Perseverance is an act of faith, demonstrating our unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness to see us through every trial.
As servants of God, through His Word we are called to:
- Anchor ourselves in God’s Word: The Bible serves as a source of inspiration, wisdom, and encouragement. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness throughout history and provides us with guidance for our own lives. Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture equips us with the strength and courage needed to persevere.
- Strengthen our relationship with God: Cultivating an intimate connection with our Heavenly Father through prayer, worship, and fellowship deepens our reliance on Him. As we draw near to God, He fills us with His Spirit, empowering us to endure and persevere.
- Embracing trials as opportunities: Rather than viewing trials as obstacles to avoid, we can choose to see them as opportunities for growth and refinement. In every hardship, there is a lesson to be learned, a character trait to be developed, and a testimony to be shared.
- Seeking support from fellow believers: Surrounding ourselves with a community of believers provides encouragement, accountability, and support. Together, we can lift one another up in prayer, share our burdens, and spur one another on to persevere.
The Ultimate Reward: God’s Glory
Our journey of perseverance is not in vain; it is for the glory of our Heavenly Father.
When we persevere in faith, love, and obedience, we reflect the character of Christ to a watching world. Our endurance in the face of trials testifies to the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. It proclaims that our hope is not anchored in fleeting circumstances but in the unchanging nature of our God.
The call to persevere is not easy, but it is necessary for us to fulfill God’s purpose and bring glory to His name.
Anchor yourselves in His Word, strengthen your relationship with Him, embrace trials as opportunities, and seek support from fellow believers.
Let’s fix our eyes on the ultimate reward—the day when we will stand before our Heavenly Father, having persevered faithfully, and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Ezra,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
