Hebrews 10:35-36
Quitting, giving up, throwing in the towel, calling it a day; whatever we call it I'm sure we have all been there some time or other. In fact if we're living fully for Christ then this is part of the enemy's battle strategy; to discourage us, tell us things aren't working, that God has given up on us and we need to bow out and take control of the situation ourselves. I've posted on this blog quite frequently on perseverance. It's something I struggle with; the tendency to dwell solely on the negatives and ending up in a place so bleak it's like wading through mud. It is part of the spiritual battle I face, but I also recognise that dwelling on the negative is part of my personality that I have to try and overcome.
In my experience, the only way out of this place is to hear God's Word on the matter. Not just reading, learning, memorising Scripture, but receiving that Rhema word from the Holy Spirit. Last night I heard that word in the scripture above from Hebrews. I have heard the word persevere very many times, but what leapt out at me this time was the word need. In a moment I understood that giving up was not an option, not just because it wasn't the 'right thing', but because God is teaching me something in the perseverance. James 1:4 says;
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
A good Christian friend recently said to me, 'But Jesus just wants you to be happy', and something inside me actually disagreed with him. In persevering through struggle and sacrifice and maybe even the giving up of happiness, God is leading us to a place where He has provided ALL things for us, including joy and all the things that we long for. In my Spirit inspired moments, I believe that with all my heart.
If, like me, you're in need of that special encouragement today, then listen to Joyce Meyer's video and be blessed.
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