We ended our last session with the question, are you making good use of your source? This week’s component definitely requires we focus on our source! Just reading the definitions of some the words used in various translations for this component makes me tired or weary as my mother would say.
Perseverance - steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Patient - bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint or anger
Endurance - the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions
When managing a problem loan, there are two choices, often referred to as an exit strategy or a rehab strategy. The exit strategy is the plan that gets the problem out of the bank the fastest. The exit strategy follows the philosophy that the earlier you call it, the less you lose. But an exit strategy almost always involves loss for both parties. But when all parties are willing to hang in there and work through a defined action plan to reach a mutual purpose, there is possibility that no one will lose. While it takes more time and effort, it is the most rewarding.
I think those two strategies are applicable to most problems situations. The choice to “exit”, walk away and give up is often tempting, but deciding to work through difficulties is the most rewarding. Exhausting, aggravating, at times painful, but always the most rewarding.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) I think I see another formula!
We rejoice because we know that our faith, our source for perseverance and all the other E2 elements, will not disappoint us. We can choose a rehab strategy and know that despite obstacles, discouragement, annoyance, delay, pain, and stress, we will not lose!
Let’s look at Hebrews, chapter 12.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
E2 version - Let us avoid, strip away, the corrupt and participate, with endurance in the divine, keeping our eyes on the source of faith.
“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”
That is perseverance! That is a Savior who stayed focused on his purpose and endured! When we think of all that He has done, we can’t give up!
Growing up with my mother, “shut up” and “give up” were not in our vocabulary. She thought "shut up" was rude and she did not believe in giving up. Whatever the task, she would find fun and often animated ways to help us through any assignment. She once chased me around the house making the sound of a mighty rushing wind and setting “flames” on my head. Yes, I was memorizing Acts, chapter 2. And I never forgot it!
Years later when I was a young adult she taught me a lesson in perseverance. And I have never forgot it! Our family was experiencing one of those trails that bring pain and discouragement. I was ready for her to give up. I couldn’t take seeing her in pain. But she reminded me of another verse she had helped me memorize, I Corinthians 13. Sitting at my dining room table, she said, love always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. Some women may be Proverbs 31 women, my mother is a I Corinthians 13 woman. She knows her source and she uses it well, despite difficulties.
In Galatians, chapter 6 we are encouraged not to grow weary in well doing because at the right time we will reap the reward. To me this says, don’t give up on participating in the divine even when the divine seems out of sight!
In Matthew, chapter 11 we have another promise that carries us through the rough places. Jesus says, come to me, all of you who are weary and I will give you rest, rest for you souls. Another gift from the one who has given us great and precious promises.
Whatever is weighing you down, making it difficult to even see the divine, let alone participate in it, don’t settle for an “exit” strategy. Find rest, rehab for your soul, keep your eyes on Jesus and you will find hope to persevere in all things!
See you next Sunday,
Ronda
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