Perseverance

"If I had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant."

Life is just tough sometimes. We get down, things come at us, we struggle with jobs and relationships, and habits, and obstacles, etc. I spent a lot of years asking "why?" I still don't have all the answers - not by a long shot - but I am learning that God is in all of it with me. I'm not suggesting that He causes our pain - I don't believe that. But we do know that the Scriptures tell us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." (Romans 8:28) And again in Romans (5:3-4) Paul says, "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character, and character produces hope." I find all of that encouraging - that, while I might not understand why I'm struggling with a particular issue, God is working the situation for my good, some how, some way. And as I persevere, He is developing my character, which builds hope in me. I can tell you, I have more hope, and peace than I have in a long time - in spite of the times - and I know it's because I have begun to let God reign more, and trust the process, and persevere. James, brother of Jesus said this, "we consider blessed those who persevered." (5:11)

17th century poet, Anne Bradstreet wrote, "If I had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." And motivational speaker Tony Robbins said this; "The only reason we really pursue goals is to cause ourselves to expand and grow. Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; it's who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment."

It's in the journey where most of our life's progress is made. As we travel our path, the things we encounter, the obstacles we overcome, the successes, and yes failures we experience along the way, are what really molds and shapes our lives. Perseverance is success. And perseverance builds your character. And your character is where your strength comes from to endure. Stay strong. Stay the course. And keep your back to the wind. Each day brings it's own success.

Thoughts To Ponder
1) Where in your life might seem like a struggle, that in reality is an opportunity for you to persevre?

2) Have you ever considered the idea of; perseverance producing character, and character producing hope?

3) Consider again this quote; "If I had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."