Perseverance - Overcoming Discouragement

Scripture:  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

James 1:2-4 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

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

There are times when we get discouraged when things don’t work out the way we think they should.  We may wonder if the Lord will answer our prayers.  In Ezra chapter four, the workers who were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem were very discouraged because the work stopped for many years. Can you relate to how they felt?  Have you ever gotten discouraged as you waited on the Lord for something for many years?  One minute you felt encouraged, and the next minute you doubted what the Lord would do.  Isaiah 40:29-31 says “ He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  God sent Hagai and Zechariah to encourage the workers – and the temple was finally rebuilt and used by the Lord Jesus Christ!  The ultimate example of perseverance was when Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross for our sins.  We can’t even imagine all that the Lord went through as His life was sacrificed for us.  Let us follow His example by presenting our body as a living sacrifice and not being conformed to this world.  Romans 12:1-2  says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Instead of viewing problems as obstacles or getting discouraged, we should use them as opportunities to praise God --  who works all things out for our good.  Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  While discouragement and worrying drains us, perseverance and praising the Lord encourages us!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for Your ultimate example of perseverance as you died on the cross for our sins.  Help us to keep our eyes stayed on You, and never give up no matter what we are facing.  Help us to rest in Your promises, and help us to praise and worship you in the midst of whatever we are dealing with.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)