Perseverance is a virtue that is rarely seen in our culture today. We have become so used to experiencing comfort and having an entitlement mentality that allows us to believe we should always be happy at all times. But there are times when our God asks more of us as He allows us to be very uncomfortable for a season. I will admit that I have not wanted to fight through to the finish on some of the situations He has asked me to persevere through. I have wanted to give up and escape. I have wanted to take the "easier" route.
But perserverance has great reward. We are promised in Scripture to have our character changed into the image of Christ if we continue to persevere. What is it, my dear friend, that God is calling you to that is so very difficult today? Which of the following applies to you?
* A loveless marriage * Purity in singleness * A struggle with infertility * Loneliness in a new city or country * Standing alone for what is right when no one else is standing with you * Loving a wayward child * Forgiving a betrayal * The monotony of a job that provides, but does not satisfy * Financial difficulties * Feeling insignificant or overlooked * Praying for a loved one to fall in love with Jesus Christ with little or no progress seen
We can't give up! Our Jesus has promised us great reward. He has asked us not to throw away our confidence. Let's continue to do the hard thing - to persevere beyond what we know we can endure. With the Holy Spirit's empowerment, we will be able to do the will of God, no matter how difficult that path is.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.