[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light. Colossians 1:11-12 AMP
Perseverance is such a big word! Synonyms for perseverance include persistence, determination, tenacity, resolve, staying power, commitment and dedication. Sometimes when things aren't going as you want them too, and they don't look like changing, it is difficult to continue on and persevere until the circumstance changes. It is even more difficult to persevere with joy, as Paul encourages us to do.
Sometimes we can be so focused on our circumstances and what isn't happening, that we can easily loose sight of the truth that God is in the midst of what is happening, and He has a plan and a purpose for us. This scripture often comes to mind when I am in a trial.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character , hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5: 3-5 NIV
It is worth persevering as it is in the waiting that God, through the Holy Spirit, does more of the refining that is so very necessary in us. The refining that moves us to a place of deeper of trust in God, and a deeper understanding of His love for us. A place where we can say without doubt, the Lord is my God.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them. I will say, It is My people; and they will say, The Lord is my God. Zechariah 13:9 AMP
How our perspective of 'trials' change, when we know that God is with us as we go through them. He hasn't left our side, but rather is guiding (or in some cases carrying) us through them, preparing us for the next part of our purposeful life in Christ. The Message bible, in it's version of Romans 5:3-4 puts it this way.
There's more to come: we continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. Romans 5:3-4 MSG
Questions for today, are you in the midst of a trial, waiting for some unwanted circumstance to change? Are you having difficulty persevering and sticking with God despite what is happening in and around you? Take time to meditate on the scriptures above, getting their truth into your heart. Ask God to give you the strength to persevere until the circumstance changes, and to bring you to a place of joy and praise today. He loves you and He has a plans for welfare and peace for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
Sometimes we can be so focused on our circumstances and what isn't happening, that we can easily loose sight of the truth that God is in the midst of what is happening, and He has a plan and a purpose for us. This scripture often comes to mind when I am in a trial.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character , hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5: 3-5 NIV
It is worth persevering as it is in the waiting that God, through the Holy Spirit, does more of the refining that is so very necessary in us. The refining that moves us to a place of deeper of trust in God, and a deeper understanding of His love for us. A place where we can say without doubt, the Lord is my God.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them. I will say, It is My people; and they will say, The Lord is my God. Zechariah 13:9 AMP
How our perspective of 'trials' change, when we know that God is with us as we go through them. He hasn't left our side, but rather is guiding (or in some cases carrying) us through them, preparing us for the next part of our purposeful life in Christ. The Message bible, in it's version of Romans 5:3-4 puts it this way.
There's more to come: we continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. Romans 5:3-4 MSG
Questions for today, are you in the midst of a trial, waiting for some unwanted circumstance to change? Are you having difficulty persevering and sticking with God despite what is happening in and around you? Take time to meditate on the scriptures above, getting their truth into your heart. Ask God to give you the strength to persevere until the circumstance changes, and to bring you to a place of joy and praise today. He loves you and He has a plans for welfare and peace for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
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