Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
3. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance;
4. perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5. 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.
James 1:3-5 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
3. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
There are times (more often than I would like to admit) that I want to give up...
Due to my stubborness and pridefulness - I usually don't stay with that thought for very long...but stubborness and pridefulness did not develop a Godly Character in me, did not bring me to maturity and a place of not lacking anything. At times I have been less than hopeful and times that I certainly lacked wisdom...
But I believe that God is working a new thing in me...working in me to will and do of His good pleasure...I am a new creation in Christ Jesus...the old has passed away...
so today I ask my Lord and Savior to work perseverance in me...that I begin to be steadfast in Him...looking toward Him and achieving His goals in His time rather than relying on self - running the race that He has set before me...as this is a new beginning for me I am not sure what the subtle and not so subtle differences will be between not giving up due to stubborness and not giving up due to perseverance...God's word says that it will work Character, Hope and Maturity...I am looking forward to receiving those promises.
5 comments:
Debrah,
God will work all kinds of newness in you. You have such a willing heart and a desire to walk in His fullness. God just wants a willing heart, I see that in you. I don't know what all you've gone through but I see a person that is ready to go in a different direction in their life. At a point in my life when I was really seeking God because I was struggling and needed miracles, a friend told me that she listened to a song that had the verse "I see the finger prints of God on you" and said it made her think of me. That meant so much to me at that time because I truly felt I was seeking God and lining myself up with Him, but didn't know how others saw me.
I'm telling you all of this to say, I see that in you. I see God with His hand on you and you reaching out saying God I want to make it right. I feel God wants me to tell you everything is Okay and He Loves you. I'm just passing he message on.
Thanks for all you input on the study, and have a great week.
Loves,
Lynn
Perseverance. But giving up is so much easier isn't it?
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving an encouraging word. I was blessed by you.
Grace & Peace to you,
Bethany
Debrah,
Thanks for your response to my post on Rachel's blog. My life is a serious of "What was I thinking?" and then starting over again. I think the song "One Day At A Time" may have been because of me. :) I enjoyed your post on perseverance - thank God for his mercy and grace!!
Debrah,
I did not know you had a second blog. Just found out today. It's great!
Blessings to you,
Plant Lady
Once again, thank you for baring your soul here on this blog. You put into words feelings that I'm sure we've all felt at one point in time or another but didn't quite know how to verbalize.
I am praying that God will renew your strength and give you a fresh revelation soon.
Blessings!
Post a Comment