39 - Steadfast Through The Storm

Romans 5:3-5 With joy let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship distress, pressure, trouble produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character spiritual maturity; and proven character, hope and confident assurance of eternal salvation. Such hope in God’s promises never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Amidst periods of suffering and pain, the present can often seem overwhelming and insurmountable. Yet, there is profound strength in the virtue of perseverance. Perseverance represents the quiet acknowledgment of incremental growth each day, rather than dwelling on what might have been. It welcomes each new day with the promise of fresh possibilities, breaking free from the wearying cycle of the mundane.

Perseverance is about maintaining momentum, about continuing the journey even when each step feels laborious. It diligently gathers resources and seeks support and encouragement, ensuring that one never feels isolated in their struggles. When frustration looms large, perseverance persists, fueled by the conviction that the fruits of labor are within reach if only one does not relent.

This tenacity is inventive in the face of challenges, crafting pathways where none seemed to exist. It holds onto hope when despair seems the easier choice and finds joy in the journey itself. In perseverance, the internal—the values and virtues held within one's heart—outweighs the external circumstances.

Perseverance understands that life is a series of seasons, each with its own time for growth and eventual blossoming. It sees beyond the immediate, waiting with anticipation for what lies ahead, savoring the small victories along the way. It focuses not on weaknesses but on strengths, letting go of past setbacks to focus intently on what is ahead.

My mother often cautioned, "Don't should on yourself," highlighting the futility of dwelling on what is lacking or what needs correction. Instead, perseverance weaves together the positive, however minute, to create a tapestry that, in its entirety, surpasses the sum of its parts.

Through my own experiences with adversity, I've come to realize the indispensable value of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Perseverance seeks out those who uplift rather than undermine. It systematically eliminates negative influences, fostering an environment ripe for spiritual growth and communal support.

Perseverance recognizes and nurtures growth, confident that in due course, it will yield a bountiful harvest. Unfazed by change, perseverance grasps the grandness of life, acknowledging that there is a time for every purpose under heaven.

As we acknowledge our eternal nature, before our God, recreated through Christ, our perspective shifts. The transient trials of today are dwarfed by the vast expanse of eternity. With this eternal perspective, how then should we live? The answer is clear: triumphantly, victoriously, with enduring hope. Thus, we persevere.