TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY MAY 8, 2012.
PERSEVERANCE
DEFINITION:
Persist in something undertaken; to diligently persist
in the pursuit of something in spite of obstacles or opposition.
SCRIPTURE:
Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character;
and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4.
LEARNING AND EXPERIENCE:
Have you ever watched a bird try to build a nest in a
tree? We have watched as a bird would carry dry grass and twigs, one piece at a
time into the spot in the tree that they had chosen for their nest. It is
painstaking work and takes perseverance, but the bird perseveres until the nest
is built. Sometimes strong winds blow the nest away and soon the bird must
begin the process all over again.
The perseverance of the birds in building their nests
is inspiring. You can almost catch yourself cheering for the bird because it is
a huge project for a small bird and yet they do not stop until the job is done.
We just had a humming bird build a nest in a bush in front of our house. We
have watched as the two little eggs have hatched and the mother bird faithfully
perseveres in caring for her tiny babies.
Trying to live a Christ-honoring life in the world we
live in today can leave us frustrated and discouraged. Many people today are
facing insurmountable hardships including the loss of a job, the loss of a home
and families that are in great turmoil.
Satan is alive and well in this sinful world. We can
expect trouble and tribulation, especially as a believer. In times of
difficulty it is easy to think that God has forgotten us. This is not the case.
God never forgets us. Often when times are good it is we who tend to forget
God. It is when times are tough that we most need to depend on God to help us
through our difficulties.
God will empower us to keep on going even when we
cannot see the resolution of our problems. In many situations God is using a
seemingly insurmountable challenge in our life to produce perseverance. And as
the verse says, that we have written above, perseverance will produce in us
character and through character, hope.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9 not to
grow “weary while doing good.” Paul then goes on to tell us not to give up. We
are to persevere in everything we do and put all that we are going through in
His hands and He will get us through every situation.
When others around you suggest that you give up on a
situation do not let them discourage you. Put everything in God’s hands then
hope will whisper to you, “Try one more time.” Try it and we can assure you God
will not fail you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is the last of the Ten
Commandments found in Exodus 20:17.
You shall not covet.
PRAYER:
Help me get through the trials that I may face today
that have burdened me down and make me consider giving up. Give me perseverance
to overcome strife and keep me faithful to You for the assurance that I have
that with Christ I can have victory and that Satan cannot defeat me.
