Stand and Persevere!

Last week, we discussed that we sometimes need to wrestle when life is hard! Once we have wrestled with God, what next? I suggest our next step should be to stand and persevere! In 2 Chronicles 20:17, we read the instructions for the people of Judah: “Take up your positions, stand firm…” Although God had made it clear He would fight the battle, the people were still expected to report to their assigned work and stand firm while having faith that God would do all He said.

Standing firm and persevering in the face of fear, loss, worry, pain, betrayal, chaotic everyday life, and depression is hard. It is an effort. Sometimes, it feels impossible. I would also suggest that standing firm and persevering can be challenging in the wonderful when everything is going right and joyful times as well. Everyday life, no matter the circumstances, can take our focus off God and His purpose for our lives. I am so thankful that His Word reassures us that no matter the circumstances, we will have all we need to complete the works he created us to do.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

God had specific work in mind for you and me when He created us. Knowing His plan, He wove us together with particular tools, talents, and gifts. He, on purpose, formed us so that we would, in Him, have all that was needed to complete the work He planned for us to do. That is encouraging news, right? We can persevere no matter the obstacles because He has already equipped us and is Emmanuel, God, with us.

In Mark 7:24-30, we read the account of the Syro-Phoenician woman. She was a gentile woman whose daughter was possessed by an evil spirit. She came to Jesus and asked Him to heal her daughter. What stands out to you as you read the exchange between Jesus and the woman?

First, she was a woman; even approaching a man she was not acquainted with was dangerous and required great courage. Second, she was a gentile; she had no reason to believe a Rabbi would even speak to her, yet she persevered.

Then, when she made her request, Jesus told her the time wasn’t right for Him to perform miracles for a gentile. But she wasn’t dissuaded, she wasn’t discouraged from her mission, she didn’t accept defeat. She persevered in faith, and Jesus honored her faith and perseverance. “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter” (Mark 7:29)

When we step out in obedience and faith, God is pleased. When we stand firm and persevere in our circumstances, leaning on Him and His Word, we honor God and make room in our lives for Him to work out all that He has planned. Most importantly, He gets the honor and glory.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV)

This week is our series final of excerpts from the Bible Study based on Choose to Live on Philippians Way (2024). As you reflect on the last few weeks, what were your favorite moments in the study? What will you change in your daily walk with the LORD?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Serving alongside you,

Carla

carla@signsformysister.com