For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him (Psalm 103:11 KJV).
I’m not sure why this verse reminds me of spring. Maybe because the words remind me of another verse on mercy.
It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV).
Jeremiah prophesied of the Babylonian invasion. He was persecuted for sharing the word of the Lord. If you know the story, you know the siege was horrific. People starved. Others ate their own children. The invading army slaughtered the king’s children and then removed his eyes. The death of his children was the last visual he had. And the sad part of it all was that it could have been avoided if only they’d listened and obeyed.
As he wept, Jeremiah recalled the prophecies of renewal, restoration, and revival. It is important to remember the blessings while sitting amid the trials. Lamentations 3 tells us His mercy is new every morning.
Morning is a new day. Spring is like the morning. It’s a new start. A season of renewal. A season of hope. We must remember that we are not hopeless because we have a Hope. His name is Jesus. And no matter how dark the night may seem, morning is coming. And with the morning comes renewal.
But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble (Psalm 59:16 KJV).
O, how great is His mercy! I am looking for that eternal morning. How about you?
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7 (KJV)
If you have worked toward a goal, you know some things are quickly obtained while others may take a little longer. That’s when perseverance becomes necessary to reach the finish line.
To persevere means to continue in some effort or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. To be steadfast in purpose.
In spite of has been my word(s) for a while. In fact, this post is an “in spite of” moment. Though I’m late, I made it! Psst! February has been that kind of month. 😊
STEP 4: Perseverance
As I thought about this step, I wanted to know the difference between perseverance and persistence. I found out persistence can be negative, while perseverance can be positive.
For instance, when we hear of a persistent child, we usually associate them with not listening when they are told no. Not taking no for an answer is acceptable if you’re trying to achieve a good outcome. Not so good when someone harasses you for whatever reason.
On the other hand, perseverance refers to people who have endured hardships or difficult circumstances to achieve their goals.
Examples in American History
The Wright brothers worked on their plane for four years before taking the first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903
According to The Franklin Institute, it took Thomas Edison and his associates two years (1878-1880) to invent the incandescent bulb. Of course, that was after working on 3000 ideas to go about it.
Western writer Louis L’Amour’s manuscripts were rejected 200 times before Bantam Publishers gave him a contract. After selling 330 million books, he became their best-selling author. I have quite a few in my library.
Moses led a passel of people through the desert for 40 years in spite of their constant complaining.
Paul finished his race in spite of the beatings, stonings, and rejection by his own people.
Jesus fulfilled the Father’s will in spite of rejection by His own people, false accusations, beatings, and the cross.
Wrap-Up
I hope you garnered a basket of courage from the examples given above. A goal worth achieving is going to take time and effort. To succeed, we must keep pushing ahead in spite of the obstacles.
Keep moving forward.
Winner
Congratulations to Melissa Henderson for winning Sandra Byrd’s devotional!
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
Good afternoon! The third step in 5 STEPS to Success in 2025 is Encourage.
Encourage means to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope – Merriam Webster Dictionary
Everyone likes a little encouragement now and then, right?
In fact, we need encouragement because we live in a world of comparisons. We compare food, books, movies, clothes, and achievements. This competitive society often leaves us feeling less than. How can we not think life isn’t fair?
That is not an encouraging opening. But as I researched how encouraging others affects us, my mind kept circling back to why we withhold our encouragement. So this post isn’t like the first two, but a needful reminder to be on our guard when we can’t offer congratulations for a job well done or encourage another on their journey.
Let’s look at why we may feel unable to offer encouragement.
Reasons We May Withhold Encouragement
The first two reasons that leap to mind are jealousy and covetousness
Jealousy – envious of someone’s accomplishments or possessions
Covetous – not only jealous but also a resentful longing for what they have
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
Other reasons for withholding encouragement may include an injustice or what we perceive as an injustice. Author Sandra Byrd shares a perfect example of this in her one-year devotional.
“The runners did not start at the same place—some were farther ahead than others, and the final racer seemed to be starting way behind. Their starting spots were staggered. It seemed unfair. I looked it up, and the staggering was actually a means to make the race fair. Each runner’s race was marked out, and by staggering the lanes, it ensured that the runners on the outside did not have to run farther than those on the inside.” Experiencing God’s Love, A Year of Abundance | Sandra Byrd | Used by permission
Think about that for a moment. When I read the devotion, I questioned my judgment. How many times have I misjudged a situation because I perceived an injustice?
If we believe we are created by God and our purpose is found in God, then we should also trust His ways are just.
My journey is not your journey. We all have our roads to travel. Mine may be more circuitous than yours. You may reach the end before I do. That is definitely true when it comes to writing. 😊But the Lord is Faithful and True. He is a just God, and He is on this journey with us.
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Deuteronomy 32:4
Something to Ponder
What if Moses was jealous of Joshua? What if Peter had been envious of Paul? Now, think about what these four men accomplished by running their own race. Moses helped Joshua. Peter spoke of Paul in his letters. All four finished their race!
Truth
Yes, things do seem a little distorted at times. Just as we cannot trust our emotions, the same goes for our sight. We are not God. We do not see the same picture. Let’s trust the Lord, obey His commandments, and encourage one another! Even when that encouragement seems to stick in our throats, do it! I promise you’ll feel better. 😉
Giveaway
I’m offering an ebook copy of Sandra’s devotion. Leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. U. S. entries only.
Gail Johnson 