I had to laugh at myself writing this blog. The topic was to be about perseverance to highlight one of our sessions this Saturday at our Women’s Leadership Training. Which by the way, we are now able to accommodate more women at the training, so not too late to register, see link below.
Anyway, every time I started to write, I would end up going down a rabbit trail, and get distracted and quit. I was going to share Joseph’s story from the Bible and how he became second in command of Egypt by persevering through some intense trials. Or I could tell the story of Joshua and the Gibeonites, and how the people of Israel paid a high price for failing to persevere in the path God had planned for them. I prayed but couldn’t hear the Lord clearly on what to write, frustration set in, and so I did what any mature women would do, I got aggravated, ate a cookie or two, and walked out.
Thankfully my experience kicked in because I have been down this road many times. I have a few things in place for those days when I am ready to pack it all up and head south, way south. A reminder for me to persevere, and to stay the course, is the following:
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. For the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I have this scripture written on my office wall, as well as committed to memory. The last verse is my visual reminder of what Jesus did for me just so I wouldn’t grow weary, lose heart, and quit.
I’m sorry to say there are times when I need reminding of Jesus’ sacrifice for me, but I do pray these scriptures are my lens on life every day. And I pray this for you too!
Father God, Thank you for Jesus. He endured so much for us so we would never experience separation from you, and we can run our race here on earth victoriously. Lord, let Your Words be our filter for everything we say and do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
