![So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. [Persevere!] Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2](http://www.nanjones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/persevere-1.jpg)
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. [Persevere!] Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way … Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.” ~ James 1:2-4,12, MSG
Lord, how majestic is Your Name over all the earth! You are excellent in all Your ways. When I can’t trace Your hand, I can always trust Your heart. When I want to give up, You empower me to persevere.
God Empowers Us to Persevere … If We’ll Let Him
For Your heart is towards me, Your child.
Your eyes roam to and fro across the earth seeking those of us who love You who need to be encouraged.
I want my path to be clear so I can see and trace Your hand, but that’s the easy way out. Faith is hoping for those things we can’t see. Faith is trusting You regardless of circumstances because of who You are. Faith is deciding to persevere just because …
Because we know You love us and because You promised to never leave us. And because you promised You have a future planned for us — a future of hope.
So when the fruit of our labor goes unnoticed, when our spirit grows weary in doing good, and when our spiritual eyesight grows dim because of frustrated tears, we persevere because of You — because we love You and have chosen to honor You with our lives.
You really are remarkable, Lord. Thank You for Your longsuffering with us. I don’t know how You do it, but You do. You listen to our tantrums, and then respond with grace. You listen to our murmuring and complaining, and put up with it way longer than You should before Your hand of chastisement — discipline born of love — comes down to get us back on track.
Your mercy is great!
I don’t want to keep circling the mountain because of my stubbornness. I want to yield to Your sweet Holy Spirit and trust Your heart, instead of my own logic and plan. I know my steps are ordered by You. I want to walk in them with confidence and assurance as I trust You to lead me into the unknown.
With God Leading the Way, We Can Persevere
Forgive me when my attitude gets in the way and I allow my heart to harden. Forgive me for thinking I know what is best, when clearly You are the Lord of all and You do all things well.
I choose You, Lord! I choose Your ways even when I don’t understand, even when I can’t see what is ahead. I choose You! Grip my hand tight and never let go. I will follow You across the mountains and through the valleys deep because I trust You.
I love You, Lord and I will persevere, keeping my hand to the plow, completing the task at hand. Use me for Your glory.
In Jesus’s Name I pray,
Amen
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Please don’t carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@nanjones.com
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
Beautiful prayer! Shared on Twitter today. Blessings to you.
Sarah, thank you so much! Sweet blessings to you, as well.
Yes and amen dear friend. Thank you <3
Together, we will BOTH persevere and see the salvation of the Lord 🙂