Perseverance
Message by: Jodi Lenker
Upon Jodi's husband, Chris, receiving "Do what Jesus Did," by Robbie Dawkins, from Patti Vreeland, Jodi began reading it intently. She quickly realized that this book is ultimately about perseverance...
One of the stories in this book was about a lady who was driving and following the nudging from God that ultimately lad her to a convenient store... She heard God telling her to go into this store, and stand on her head. What a wacky request?...
Perseverance is the quality of continuing to try to achieve something despite difficulties or setbacks. It embodies steadfastness and unwavering determination in the face of challenges. This trait is essential for achieving long-term goals and overcoming obstacles, as it involves consistent effort and resilience even when progress is slow or difficult.
Who would actually want that? Why would we want to keep getting back up?
Jodi had a horse when she was younger, and one time the horse was spooked and Jodi found herself hanging from the side of the horse. She didn't stop riding that horse. She loved her horse and loved riding.
That's how our relationship with the Lord should be. We need to stay in the Lord and in His word.
Knowing His love for us helps us in our perseverance.
The book of Hebrews is written to the Israelites... So, one might wonder, is if relevant for Christians today?
Hebrews 10:19-23
[19] Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
The place of sacrifice in the Tabernacle would have been considered the most holy place. BUT… After Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the veil was torn, and He became the most holy place.
Hebrews 10:24-25
[24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
This passage calls us to not give up and to help lift and encourage one another. We don't know how soon Jesus will be back, but every day, we are one day closer.
Hebrews 10:26-28
[26] If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, [27] but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. [28] Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Jesus wasn't here (in the flesh) anymore... so it was tempting to go back to their old ways. But it is important to persevere. We need to keep the faith and live according to His will.
So... we're not Israelites... again, is this word relevant to us?
While we cannot identify with a lot of the things the Hebrews were going through, God's word is still for us and for our good.
Hebrews 10:32-33
[32] Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. [33] Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.
We are blessed to be able to worship here, in the US, freely, but there are other walks of our Christian life where we might face persecution.
Hebrews 10:34
[34] You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
More proof that this word is for us... As Christians, we know what lasting possessions are.
Hebrews 10:35
[35] So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
How often do we lose our confidence? How easy is it to lose our confidence?
Hebrews 10:36-39
[36] You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. [37] For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” [38] And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” [39] But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
Help is always, only a prayer away.
The more you read the word, persevering in building your faith, the easier it will get.
Where is God sending you right now?
Will you heed His word and obey Him? Will you persevere through, no matter how awkward it may feel?
Sometimes, the flesh will make you miss your old ways... the ways of the world and NOT of the Lord... but it is critical to persevere.
If you truly believe in Him and trust in Him.... like the wacky request the woman in the book.
...After asking for confirmation, she went in and she did it. As crazy as it sounds, she did it. She went into the store, waited for all other customers to leave, and showed the clerk her handstand. The clerk has asked God, just a half hour before, if He was real, to send him someone who'd stand on their head. The clerk gave his life to Christ that day.
May we confidently trust God and constantly preserve - for His glory.
