Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward.
This morning’s pre-trip reflection is about perseverance, in light of trials and tribulations. Paul is giving what sounds like a coach giving a half-time pep talk. Go back out there, team, and keep fighting! You can do it!
The reflection reminds us that despite what trouble we’ve been through, we’ve made it thus far. We will encounter more trials, but we can do it – we can make it through so we’ll be looking at tomorrow’s troubles in the rearview mirror one day. Don’t give up.
Scripture is full of pep talks, isn’t it? Don’t be afraid. Love your neighbor. Persevere. That alone is reason to read Scripture daily.
The confidence that Paul is talking about, I think, is a confidence that in the end, following Christ is the right choice, and believing that when all evidence points to the contrary. Continue to do the right thing, even when the easy option presents itself. Love your neighbor even when it’s politically unpopular. Give your neighbor a coat, even if it costs you financially. Follow Jesus, even when it’s hard.
I had a boss who said that he could resist anything, but temptation. Obviously, that’s a joke, but it highlights what Paul is saying. Follow Christ when it’s easy. And when it gets hard, persevere. Keep following, because it’s even more important to have that beacon when we’re walking through the darkness. Don’t give up when it gets hard.
Persevere. Even when it gets hard. Especially when it gets hard.
I’m involved in some groups for people struggling with the same health challenges we have in our family. I saw a quote that struck such a chord that I’ve written it inside the front cover of my planner:
“One day, you will tell your story, of how you’ve overcome and wat you’re going thorough now. It will become part of someone else’s survival guide.”
Amen to that.
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