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Perseverance

      Perseverance, not a word popularly found in our vocabulary today, however in it lies a major ingredient for our walk with God. What exactly is perseverance? The Free On-line Dictionary defines it as " Steady persistence in adhering to a course of  action, a belief or a purpose, steadfastness, to persist in or remain constant to a purpose... in the face of obstacles or discouragement ".
      As a child of God bearing in mind the times we are in we would realize and quite agree that this is definitely an attribute needed to become who God wants us to be. Why you might ask? Lets look at this scripture together: " Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything " James 1:2-4 N.I.V.
     The word of God admonishes us to be joyful about the many persecutions or difficulties we face because it makes us mature in Christ. These difficulties serve as catalyst to instil the Christ-like nature in us, because the promises of God are given as insurance of what has been planned and settled by God Himself. The life we live is one that requires the highest level of responsibility and awareness of how valuable we are in God's sight. He requires us to grow and mature to become true sons of the kingdom and impact lives positively for Him. Its impossible for us to carry out this mandate without having shared in the suffering and hurts of the people we are to reach out to. The virtue of perseverance makes you an experienced and compassionate person, you stand as a better shepherd to that lost soul that comes to Christ.
        God Himself make us go through these processes so that the cracks and hollows in our nature are exposed, and as we willingly allow Him, because our willingness is key in this process, He walks us through them, His mercies, love and grace trims out, weeds out all unwanted traits, He then strengthens and builds us up to be truly refined in a manner pleasing to Him.
     The book of Ruth in the Bible clearly showcases a personality that through steadfastness and adherence to her belief lived a life of fulfillment and glory. Ruth held on tenaciously to her mother in-law Naomi, in spite of the fact that all around her, everything looked hopeless. She abandoned her home and every comfort she had to follow her mother in-law to a life and place that seemed hopeless. But our God is one who rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11: 6b), crowned her with glory and from this woman's legacy came the lineage of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How far are we willing to go with Christ? How much are we willing to sacrifice for the glory set before us? Look at the oldest and strongest of trees around us, over time irrespective of the weather condition they stand firm and strong, constantly renewed because they don't give up. They have willingly gone through the times, stretched their roots to the farthest sources of nutrients and moisture, with these they grow in strength and splendor. This is God's desire for His own because He loves us with all that He is and has. When we feel tired and discouraged, remember His words, trust them and His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses, 2 Corinthians 12:9. He would equally give rest to all who are burdened and wearied. God bless you.
Finally dear friends, when we surrender to Him and take on His strength, we persevere, His love then builds a character of faith (Romans 5:3-5) that is sure and firm, because faith in who he is irrespective of what our situations might be saying is the surest way to please our heavenly father. God bless you.

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