Perseverance seems to be a highly valued, yet seldom demonstrated quality in today’s society. Have you found that?
Athletes and amputees inspire us with determination and strength despite obstacles. Leaders and activists induce change via praiseworthy purpose and action. Their vision, drive, and consistency move us to respect them, recognize their efforts, and honor their achievements.
It is truly remarkable what man can accomplish … but humanity is still limited. We can only attain what God permits and decrees.
The Almighty allots periods and boundaries in history (Acts 17:26), each nation being like a drop from a bucket compared to His majestic power and wise counsel (Isaiah 40:15).
In Daniel’s words, “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (2:21).
When it comes to human and spiritual affairs alike, we are dependent upon the Lord.
The human heart has fallen so far into sin, we are pitifully helpless to recover ourselves.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way” … “For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
– Isaiah 53:6, Romans 1:21
Praise the Lord, He rescues, redeems, and restores us through His Son, the spotless Lamb!
“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” … “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:11, Ephesians 2:4-5
Among all inspirational stories and success testimonies, no man can claim salvation. Salvation belongs to God alone, for which Christ will forever be exalted!
God’s Provision: Perseverance resurfaces—this time, not on our part, but God’s. Faith is His gift (Ephesians 2:8), sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and preserved for the day of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8).
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
– Jude 24-25
Word of the Week: Carry. God will gently and firmly guide us through life (Psalm 32:8), conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29), and usher us into His eternal presence (John 14:2-3). The one who believes in Christ and trusts in Him has all his sins washed away (Psalm 32:1-2). We can profess with Paul in 2 Timothy 4:18,
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Abby
