Almighty God

STEP 4: Perseverance

/ Gail Johnson / 7 Comments

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.

Edison’s Lightbulb – fi.edu | Bestsellers Initially Rejected – litrejections.com

Examples in Biblical History

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!

Happy New Year!

/ Gail Johnson / 13 Comments

Have you made plans for 2025? I haven’t unless you count the unfinished plans for 2024.

Do you have any leftover plans?

One thing I have planned for the coming year, and every year, is to delve even deeper into God’s Word than I did the year before. Studying helps my mind and spirit connect with the Lord and His purpose for me. I’ve listed below several verses I find helpful in my yearlong journey. Why not share yours in the comments?

Studying

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Keeping His Word before me ensures I remain faithful to His purpose for my life.

Memorization

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

The Word will keep me from unsavory paths where danger awaits.

Prayer

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18

Time spent in prayer is never wasted. It is a privilege to converse with the Lord. He hears my prayers.

Fasting

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:16

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hundred. Matthew 4:2

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3

Fasting is beneficial to the body and spirit. It is a discipline the New Testament believers practiced, including Jesus. It truly makes a difference in my walk with the Lord.

Recalling

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7

God’s Word teaches me I have been forgiven and set free. I am no longer a slave to sin, serving an evil taskmaster. I am a child of light. I have a choice to do good or evil. By God’s grace, I can overcome and live in victory!

Your Turn

Now that I’ve shared a few verses that keep me moving forward in my walk with the Lord, why not share yours. Which one is sustaining you on your journey thus far?

All scriptures are taken from the King James Version Bible.

Branch

/ Gail Johnson

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jeremiah 23:5 (KJV)

Looking forward to that day! How about you?

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