Perseverance comes from the Lord

Kristen and I have had many trials and tribulations not just in preparing for missions but in ministry and our family. Going through these last few months has made me think a lot about perseverance. Romans 5:3-5 says it well, “…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. God uses perseverance in our lives to grow us in trusting in Him while showing us we’re not in complete control or have all the answers. He uses perseverance to teach us how to trust, rely, and learn from others. Sometimes we go through something just to learn how to persevere. We all deal with trials and tribulations regardless if there’s a pandemic going on. Nehemiah serves as an incredible example of perseverance. He had a big task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He persevered through needing a king’s blessing, gaining the support of his own people, ridicule, threats of violence, discouragement, extortion, slander, and treachery to just name a few! Nehemiah began his journey with prayer and planning (Nehemiah 1 & 2). When the wall was finished, Nehemiah and the people’s perseverance pointed others to God. “When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:16) We all have our own big tasks like weathering this pandemic, taking care of our family, or just trying to share Jesus with a neighbor. May the perseverance in all our lives reveal God’s work to those around us.