
Several months ago, our little development finally got a real street put in. A company came in, established a new grade, put down a base, and then laid 6" of asphalt on it. After years of driving on a dusty or muddy road, depending on the weather, we can finally go some place and come back without having to wash the car every time!!
I was coming home from my run a couple of weeks ago, and imagine my surprise to find several bind weed plants coming up through the ashphalt street!! How in the world could this little plant push up through what I would think would be virtually an impenetrable barrier??? Somehow, this plant is capable of persistently pushing slowly thought the asphalt, until it reaches daylight. Amazing!!
The dictionary defines perseverance as "To persist in an idea, purpose or task, despite obstacles (Webster)". Let's look at this little object lesson from a Christian perpective. We all know that in this life we have struggles, obstacles and heartaches. Oswald Chambers wrote
"You cannot help suffering; it is a true and needful training for the soul that dares to be true to God." (My Utmost For His Highest) So, we all suffer, we all struggle, and we all face life's difficulties; we cannot escape it!! The call to us as Christians is to persevere, because we know that God is always there, and we are in His arms. When we realize this fact, we can persevere through anything, because we know that our Creator, Lord and King is there to carry us.
Hebrews 12: 1-3 says it so very well
..."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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down on the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endureth such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart." When adversity comes and life throws us a curve, try not to be overcome with frustration, but overcome it with the joy that we have in Christ Jesus. When things do not go our way, go His way!! Be like the "Little Engine That Could" and with God's help go "I think I can, I think I can..." When we persevere and overcome the struggle, thank God and say "I knew I could, I knew I could..."
De Colores