Perseverance is a value that is highly prized in Scripture. Even though the going gets tough or painful or redundant, we go on. Every once in a while it’s good for us to encourage each other to persevere. So, in the spirit of GodSpeak, I thought we’d listen to what God has to say about perseverance.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
September brings the beginning of a lot of activity. Some is brand new for this year, like our Men’s Bible Breakfast, our new emphasis on neighborhood outreach, and the changes going on at Central Lutheran School. Much of the activity we have every year, like Sunday School, confirmation, EPIC, Music groups and fellowship gatherings. Let’s not forget the daily activity of reading God’s word and the weekly activity of meeting in our GodSpeak groups! Perseverance!
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, 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. – Romans 5:3-5
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. – James 5:11
Times in life can become very tiresome, difficult and even unbearable. It is times like these where we lean all the more on God and draw on His strength. We also lean on or brothers and sisters in Christ who love and care for us. Remember hope. Just think of the hope you have in Christ and how God has used suffering, perseverance and character to bring it into ever greater focus.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5t is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
The love of God for us is remarkable. It just never quits. We never get to a point in life where God just says, “I’ll forgive you… but this is the last time!” No. He saved us through the blood of Jesus, gave us faith through the power of the Holy Spirit and through our baptism and his grace is never exhausted. Love never fails. And so, September, here we go again!
Blessings, Pastor Seabaugh