What do you think about when you hear the word perseverance. I think about the struggle it sometimes is to make it through the day, to complete the tasks that need doing. I think that at times we must press on even when we don’t really want to. I think of delayed gratification and sometimes no gratification at all. I remember that God never promised me an easy road.
Maybe the whole Bible is a story of God’s perseverance (and yes, love), of God’s pressing on even when it appears giving up would be the more prudent course. God hangs in there with us and doesn’t give up. But another questions comes to mind: is there a time when hanging in there is no longer the best course? Maybe not for God but what about for us? Should I give up sometimes? Is there a time when I am merely hanging on because I am stubborn? How do I know when that is, if ever? Life is really messy and I want answers that are easier to find, not so elusive.
I am beginning to ask where this message is meant to take us as a community. Are there things we have too easily given up on and things we need to press on in completing? What is the Word for us this week? What word of challenge, of healing, of hope do we need from God?
Your words made me think of a clip from the movie “Stripes” where Bill Murray gives the platoon an encouragment talk. I also thought about the story Bishop Desmond Tutu tells about us being on the road on a bicycle and every now and then we fall off the side of the road and God comes along, picks us up, dusts us off, pats us on the back and says, keep on going, I am here. His voice inflection made it sound so fatherly.
Think about this per sever. In a state of being about or cut off.
Well, perhaps there needs to be a distinction between perseverance in deeds, versus perseverance in keeping the faith. There are plenty of examples in scripture regarding not giving up in either regard. Is it a matter of “letting go and letting God,” or giving up?
Throughout the Bible God demonstrates that timing is often an important factor. Most of us are familiar with the “To everything there is a season” passage from Ecclesiastes (turn, turn, turn). I am of the opinion that just as there is a season to persevere in works, there is also a season to yield and rest. When we get weak, we’re supposed to support each other, or help each other pick up the slack (1 Thess 5). On the one hand, we are reminded in Galatians that we will reap a harvest AT THE PROPER TIME if we don’t tire of doing good. Jesus tells the parable of the widow who went to the judge tirelessly asking for justice against her adversary (Luke 18) as an example of how we should always pray and not give up. Paul instructs believers to “rejoice always” and “pray without ceasing” (again 1 Thess 5).
But on the other hand, our heavenly Father knows how we are made. He knows we are dust (Psalm 103:14). He knows we get tired and need refreshing and renewal. Sometimes in spiritual battle we grow tired and are at a loss as to what to do. When we’ve done everything in our power, we’re told to stand (Eph 6:13). Being a mom of young children, one of my current favorite passages is Isaiah 40:30-31. I am in the old age of my youth and heaven knows I need my strength renewed day by day….and He is faithful to provide it. Jesus promises to provide rest for our souls (Matt 11:29). We allow the power of Christ to rest upon us when we yield to Him in our weaknesses (2 Cor 12:8-10), and that provides a witness to the world that it is not under our own power, but Christ in us, who sustains and maintains.
Someone told me once that in order to be able to serve others, I need to sometimes just sit back and receive until I’m full. I’m of no use to anyone if I’m empty.
I suppose the best way to approach the dilemma is to observe Christ’s example. There were times when He was bone tired, yet kept going. There were other times when He made it a point to get away. His actions were influenced by the relationship He had with the Father. We have the Holy Spirit to give us strength when we need to keep going, and wisdom to know when to take a break. And if we are lacking in either strength or wisdom, God is faithful to provide either to us if we ask.
I must admit that this week was a test of my perseverance. Can I simultaneously by ready for our annual meeting (Charge Conference), the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department Open House where Saint James-Kingstowne meets, and the perseverance message itself? Only by God’s grace, only by God’s grace… That I am sitting at my computer working both on the message and blogging too is a testimony to God’s grace. I am trying to never give up or surrender- we’ll see… I have finally settled on a Bible lesson, from James 1:2-5.