"Sweet Spot" or "Dry Spot", Part 2

Perseverance.  What did you learn about it last week?  Do you know what it is yet?

Studylight.org gives the definition of perseverance as “steadfastness, constancy, endurance.”  They go on to explain that “in the NT [this is] the characteristic of a man [or woman in our cases] who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith… by even the greatest trials and sufferings.”

Which of those words is meaningful to you?  Steadfastness?  Constancy?  Endurance?  Does someone pop into your mind as you read those words?   Who do you know who has not swerved from his or her purpose and loyalty to his or her faith over the course of life?

How did they get there?  How do we get there? 

I certainly do not have all the answers, but I can share what God placed upon my heart during this season.  Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

For me, this is how perseverance is developed.  I must first seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first each and every moment of every day.  It is tough.  I know.  I don’t succeed each day.  I don’t succeed most moments, but the important part is that I stay constant and steady with my attempt.  I don’t give up.  I don’t walk away.  When I fail, I try again.  You’ve heard the saying, “It’s like riding a bike!”  I believe this to be true.

How many times did you fall when you were learning to ride your bike?  How many times did you get back up?  Some of you got back up every time.  Some of you, like me, threw a fit with full drama and said, “I’m never going to learn how to ride this stupid thing!” and gave up.  Some gave up for good, but most of us settled down and tried again.  And with each attempt, we got better.  We persevered through it.  And before we knew it, we were riding a bike!  And if we quit riding our bike for a long time, we found that we could still get back on and ride (albeit a little wobbly at first).

None of us is perfect.  None of us ever will be this side of heaven.  But knowing we have messy lives, doesn’t mean we give up.  We can persevere and keep putting one foot in front of the other because of the hope Jesus gives us.  The hope and promise of freedom.  The hope and promise of a perfect heaven.  The hope and promise of perfect love, joy and peace.  The hope and promise of seeing Him face to face.

Where are you now?  Where do you want to be?

Let me encourage you to move forward today.  Are you in a “sweet spot” with Jesus right now?  Press on.  Are you in a “dry spot” with Jesus right now?  Press on.  Keep talking to God.  Keep reading His Word.  Keep seeking Him.  He promises if we seek Him with all our hearts that we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29).

2 Peter 1:5-7 says, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;  and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;  and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

What do we receive if we persevere?  Godliness and in the end love.  Beautiful isn’t it?

Have a very, merry Christmas!

Holly