perseverance

September 29, 2022December 6, 2022

Hardship

Experiencing hardship is never easy. It can be agonizing, exhausting, and depressing. There have been times in my life when I have instantly sensed God’s awesome presence with me during difficult circumstances. But there have been even more instances when it seemed as though God was nowhere to be found.

While Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane awaiting His fate, His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground as He prayed. He knew that what He was about to endure was going to be excruciatingly difficult. He didn’t even hesitate to ask God if He could be spared from the suffering. Jesus felt utterly alone. Even His friends had fallen asleep during the most crucial moment in his life.

Not only did Jesus ask if His cup of suffering could pass, but He prayed for strength and embraced the will of His heavenly Father who gave Him the power to endure.

Today, no one enjoys going through trials, especially feeling alone. But in these moments, God asks us to trust Him. hard times will pass. But with patience, prayer, and a heart full of hope and trust, we can live through them, knowing God can give us lasting peace and deep joy that will outlast any pain and sorrow.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit which comforts me during the difficult times in my life. Father, I ask for Your strength to empower me, and for hope to fill my heart. God, I walk through this current situation trusting You and believing that You have something good in store for me and those around me. Lord, I open my heart to Your will and Your way. In Christ’s name Amen.

August 9, 2022August 9, 2022

Pray & Teaching Your Children

How should we as parents teach our children in the way of God? by our testimony. Christian parents are to hand down their witness of the gospel to their children. And their children will pass it along to the next generation.

Our first duty is to our homes. A person who does not start his or her ministry at home is an inadequate witness. All people who do not know Christ are to be reached, but home has a greater priority, and woe to those who reverse the order of the Lord’s appointments.

To teach our children in the Lord is our duty. We cannot delegate it to Sabbath Sunday school teachers, or other friends. They can assist us but cannot deliver us from the sacred obligation. Mothers and fathers must, like Abraham, command their households in the fear of God, and talk with their offspring concerning the wondrous works of God. Parental teaching should be a natural duty. Who is more fit to look after a child’s well-being than those who are blessed with them by God?

Please note to neglect the instruction of our children in the way of God is worse than wicked. Education in faith is necessary for the world, for the family itself, and the church of God. In a million ways insidious false teaching is covertly advancing in this world, and one of the most effective means for resisting it is almost always neglected, namely, the instruction of children in the faith and knowledge of God.

Today, I pray that parents would awaken to the importance of this matter, to talk about Jesus with our sons and daughters, and more so because God has saved children through their parents’ prayers, patience, and instruction. May every house into which this devotional is read honour the Lord by lifting Christ before their children daily.

“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” Joel 1:3

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, create in my children pure hearts and renew a steadfast spirit within them. Father Help my children to know your Word and to grow in faith each day. Thank You for promising that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate them from the love of God that is in Christ. God, give my children perseverance in whatever vocation you give them and that they would serve with cheerful hearts as if they were serving you directly. In Christ’s Name Amen.

June 8, 2022June 8, 2022

Have you ever put energy into a relationship, but it didn’t work out? What about a new business venture but you are still struggling with finances? Sometimes, people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped.

Now they think it’s never going to happen. But one thing we must learn is that God honours perseverance. On the way to your “yes,” you may encounter some “no’s.” You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means keep going!

Today, please remember if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. The Word say, through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises. Hallelujah! This is where patience and perseverance come in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away, doesn’t mean you should quit. Your “yes” is on the way. Rise and press forward. Keep believing, against all the no’s, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking, because our God is always faithful to His Word!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I will believe Your Word today. I will trust Your promises. I will keep standing, believing, and asking. God, I believe Your “yes” is on the way, and I receive it in Christ’s Name! Amen.

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022

When You Feel Attacked

These days’ life is very unpredictable. The enemy loves to stir up strife and division, he does his best to heap on insults and kicks us while we’re down. But be assured, whenever you are afflicted, attacked, ridiculed, or abused, God takes notice. He rises strong on your behalf. For you are His child, know God Himself has the final say over our lives. Not the accuser.

Scripture reminds us that no weapon or cruel accusation can stand over us. It will fall away, for His Power rises above all. He brings light straight to darkness, and what is hidden in the dark, He brings out into the light. We are His children, and He can’t help but come to our rescue. It may seem too long in coming. We start to feel forgotten, betrayed, rejected, and afraid. We wonder why we’ve been left on our own. Maybe some have stirred up lies against you. Maybe the enemy seems to be breathing down your back, hot on your trail, trying hard to bring you down. The obstacles seem too hard to hurdle over. And you feel like giving up.

Today please know that God is close, He sees your pain and is aware of every attack. And He is building greatness and deep perseverance from within. Listen to His whisper down deep in your soul and shake off. Every bitter, cruel word and fiery dart and take them to the One who sets you free from the strongholds of darkness, from sin and shame. Leave it at the feet of God who covers you with His favour and blessing so that your strength is renewed day by day. He is with you. You are greatly loved. Be still, He fights for you today.

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank you for the Power of your Word and your Presence over my life. Father, I thank you that no weapon formed against me will prosper, for greater are You who is in me than he who is in the world. Please cast down every threat and accusation, every abusive word and cruel attack hurled my way. I praise you that nothing is impossible with you, I trust you, to rise strong on my behalf. Lord, you are my defender and Strong Tower, my Refuge and Strength. Thank you for fighting for me. In the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen!

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021

Perseverance

What Do you need from God today? Finances? Good health? Restoration? Deliverance? God has promised all of these things to you in His Word, because it’s His desire for you to live abundantly. If you follow the will of God by obeying His Word and precepts, it opens the door for His promises to be fulfilled in your life. You may be doing all of the right things – don’t give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise.

When you persevere you are focused, you are believing what God says about your situation. It’s looking away from distractions and any negative, defeating thoughts. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and looks to the Word of God. The voice of perseverance will speak to you, saying things like, “no weapon formed against me shall prosper! If God is for me, who can be against me? I am more than a conqueror through Jesus!”

Today, whatever you are believing God for, keep believing! Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. Ask God to give you endurance, perseverance and patience, so that you can see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promises to me. Father, I ask that You give me a heart that is steadfast and fixed on You. Fill me with Your peace and perseverance, so I can hold on until all your promises come to pass in my life, and live in victory all the days of my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 17, 2020November 17, 2020

Perseverance Will Carry You To The Promise

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV)

Let’s Pray

May 19, 2018May 19, 2018

Instead of Waiting for Better Times You Better Create Them

This morning I awoke as Sal the Grumpy Gal. The world is so demanding. Trying to swim amid raising my children, balancing bills, and busily patching potholes of our life’s path had me in a mega funk when I opened my eyes this morning.

Ever noticed how we are always waiting? Lately, I’ve been checking things off my to-do list waiting for a break to be at home, on my machine resting, and with nothing on the agenda. Guess what? Two or three things pop up that need my attention. I know I’m preaching to the choir. We are all waiting for rest, vacation checks to hit our checking account, children to become self-sufficient, cars and homes to be paid off, retirement, and for our lives to just chill down a little. Endless waiting.
The other day I watched a documentary on an exercise guru who joined the ALS Club Med. My main caregiver, Ben, came through the living room and said, “Sal, what are you thinking? Don’t watch that. You don’t need to see it.” He was right. As I watched a handsome, Greek-God looking man wither, my mind went to the dark place of waiting. Waiting to when I’m frozen and can’t whiz my scoot around, roll my dogs, or check out the garden areas in my yard. Waiting for a cure for ALS. Waiting until I want to just stay in bed and wave the white flag. Waiting for my diaphragm to fail. Waiting for someone to scratch that place on my nose because I can’t. Waiting for God to take me home. This happens every so often. I get overwhelmed of trying to live with my limitations. Believe it or not, my family still looks to Sal the Frail Gal to patch holes and glue our tattered lives so we can stick together and have a smoother ride.

If you’re waiting for the highway of life to be smooth, I have bad news. Even Sal the Hole-filling Gal can’t write everything. I can only do the best I can. All we can do is be the best person we can be in each moment and choice we are given.

When I’m waiting for better times or worrying about a huge hole in the road ahead, I think of birds. I think of heaven. I think of plans God has for me. Birds remind me that God will provide. I know Heaven is not of earth. It’s the time when my soul takes flight. I trust the plans for me because it’s not on my to-do list. It’s time to pull up my sleeves and let my waiting turn into action. Don’t waste your time waiting; live. What are you waiting for?