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."

Change Your Mind

Norman Vincent Peal wrote in his book, The Power Of Positive Thinking, "A primary method for gaining a mind full of peace is to practice emptying the mind."

I could use a mind full of peace these days ... how about you? Are you feeling the pressure? I can feel it all around. Everyone seems to be waiting for the "other shoe to drop."

Romans 12:2 says, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Peal says, "To be happier and healthier, we need a change in the pattern of our thoughts."

Kind of hard to do right now, isn't it? But it has to happen for any amount of peace to settle in on us. I believe it will be those who begin to take the Scriptures seriously, maybe for the first time in their lives, that will be the ones who navigate this leg of the journey without the emotional devastation we see happening all around.

Transform your thoughts. How? Begin by writing down at least 10 things every night before you go to bed that you are thankful for. 10 good things about your day. Don't quit until you have at least 10. I know there's more than that. Think about it. What have you been blessed by today? Your health, a few extra dollars in your wallet, no bills due today, a hot meal, family, good friends, a pet you care about ... try it. You might be surprised how it changes your mind.