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Saturday 20 April 2013

Perseverance

When we look at the lives of people in the Bible, often there was a time period that required a good deal of patience. They didn't receive what they desired instantly. They didn't achieve the tasks that we remember them for without prior suffering or delay.
Some, like Daniel and Joseph, spent time in prison. Moses and Jacob, also David, spent many years performing the lowly task of tending sheep. Sarah and Hannah experienced the prolonged anguish of waiting for a much-desired pregnancy. The woman with the issue of blood had been suffering for twelve years before Jesus healed her.
 A few years ago I knew a lovely Christian couple who experienced a strong missionary calling to South America. They completed their missionary training which included learning another language, raised the necessary finances and had their plane flights booked to leave when the husband was  suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. Only after several years were they able to undertake their proposed mission. Praise God for both the man's healing and renewed ability to minister on the mission field.
I don't presume to always understand why God allows events to unfold the way they do, however I believe that God provides the examples of Biblical people who persevered for our encouragement. Praise God, we know the end of their stories.We know how they were used, or delivered, or received the promises they believed in.
God is looking for people who are whole-heartedly devoted to Him. They are following Jesus even when suffering, or disappointed or delayed or confused.When their ministry aspirations are in tatters or the world has cheated them or the church has hurt them and burnt them out, they are still clinging to His word.
I love watching demonstrations of blacksmithing. The toughest metal has been forged in fire. Then it's taken out and hammered on an anvil. Only then is it strong enough and shaped correctly to protect the horse's feet when galloping over stoney ground.
Have you been working for many years in a job which seems monotonous, but you do it faithfully and well to support your family? Have you been praying for many years for someone you love to come to Christ? Have you patiently endured a family or marriage relationship which is causing you sorrow? Spent many years as a helpless child experiencing the effects of  family conflict or divorce or abuse?  Been unjustly accused? Some of these things change over time, others will not cease until we enter eternity with Christ, but one thing is sure:
 
“....he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5).

God is with us. He knows the desires of our hearts. He is not unconcerned when we suffer, far from it. Sometimes we can look back on a period of trial and say- that grew me, that enabled me to minister to others in a way I would not be able to unless I had experienced that thing. It deepened my dependency on God. It made me grow closer in relationship with Him. 
Joseph, when referring to his trials, tells us in Genesis 50:20:

 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

And the apostle Paul encourages us in Romans 8:28:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
 
 Simeon and Anna had been expectantly and faithfully serving God for many decades when the birth of the Messiah was revealed to them. It was their joy to serve Him and their faithfulness was rewarded with even greater joy. Despite any external circumstances, it is still our joy today to honour and serve Jesus, knowing that we have the most wonderful relationship we could ever hope to have in this world, and the promise of a joyful eternity with Him.
I pray that the love and encouragement of God our Father, Jesus Christ His Son and His Holy Spirit will be very present in your life today.

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