How do we persevere? When we’re down or facing trials or setbacks, what do we do? I mean, actually do?
All of us face challenges, failures, setbacks, or just Tuesdays after a long weekend. But we also know that we’re not meant to live in a dull state of frustration and depression. We know there’s a life that is truly life that is available to us and we’ve tasted it. Sometimes it just seems slightly out of reach because of certain circumstances.
It’s in those moments where I believe we can run to scripture and find words of hope that can turn into thoughts of hope which turn into actions of hope. Check this out from Paul’s letter to the Romans in the fifth chapter:
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
“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.”
If we can let these words sink in just long enough, they will take root and begin to shape our actions. Let’s break it down:
- We endure. That means we don’t give up. If you’re facing something right now that’s tempting you to just give up, don’t. It matters. Just for today, stick it out.
- We let it shape our character. Ask the question, “What am I supposed to be learning from this trial?”
- We cling to hope. Confident hope hangs on. Let hope grow because you’re making it through – right now – and you will make it through in the end.
Now hear this: none of this aims to dismiss painful feelings and hardships. They’re real. But this isn’t some rainbows and unicorns fantasy world either. You can do this. We can do this. We can stare these difficulties and hard emotions in the face and we say, “my God is bigger, and He will see me through.”
He will. And when He does, having endured, we will be shaped, and our hope strengthened. Hang in there – sometimes that’s all we’re asked to do.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Joel
Joel Searby
