P is for Perseverance

Parent’s Corner- January 17, 2021

P is for Perseverance

“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.”  Romans 5:2b-5

What does it mean to persevere?  If you persevere, you keep on trying and do not give up even if you are faced with challenges or difficulties.  

Have you ever watched athletes in the Olympics?  They are highly skilled, and have dedicated years of hard work to their sport.  They did not wake up that morning being able to perform at that level.  They had to get up each day, commit to training, make sacrifices along the way, and keep their eyes on the goal that they hoped to achieve.  They had to look forward to a goal that, many times, may have seemed impossible and completely out of their reach.

I find it interesting that living the Christian life is often compared to running a race.  One of my sons is a runner.  He runs every day, rain or shine.  Some days he enjoys it more than others.  When it is sunny and in the 60’s, it is a great way to spend the afternoon.  When it is snowing and in the 20’s, or raining and in the 40’s, it's not quite as enjoyable.  I was teasing him the other day that, figuratively,  it feels like we have all been running in sleet and snow on icy roads lately, longing for the light of the sun and the clearness of the path ahead.  

When are some hard times that you have had to persevere in your life? 

Likely, some of you may say this very day is hard! 

As a family, talk through some of the challenges you are facing, both individually and as a family.  Talk about how you might encourage and support each other.  Most importantly, pray for each other, and ask the Lord to continue to strengthen you, guide you, and protect you as you persevere.  For encouragement, look to the Bible and find those who persevered.  There are many wonderful examples!  What do they all have in common?  God was with them, and God had a plan.  God is with us too, and has a plan for our lives!  Also, talk about ways that you might encourage others around you who might be experiencing trials as well.  You could be the very vessel the Lord uses to encourage them today!

I pray you would find encouragement in the Lord as you persevere through whatever trial you might be experiencing.  And know that I am praying for you!

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12