Persevere in His Strength

 By: Joanne Viola

They say “a woman’s work is never done.” But I am not sure anyone’s work is ever done.

We catch up on laundry, only to have to do it all over again in a few days. We go food shopping but will surely need to go again next week toting our list. We pay bills and yet, the mailman will bring more another day. Furniture will need to be dusted, floors will require a mopping.

Babies will cry and need to be fed, changed, rocked, and played with, day after day.

Kids will need to be driven to school and activities week after week, probably until they are able to drive themselves. Then we sit up waiting for them to come home, night after night.

Life starts over each morning, each week, each month, each season, and each year. The days ebb and flow, some easier than others, while some are more trying than others.

We can get tired – physically, mentally, and/or emotionally. We question where will we find the strength, or maybe the energy, to do it again when we wake in the morning.

Perseverance has been defined as: “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition” (from merriam-webster.com). It’s the quality or action of being steadfast. Determined to keep on going. Like the EverReady Bunny.

“Perseverance is not a long race; it’s many short races one after another.”
(Walter Elliot)

But where does that quality come from? It might be a good time to look at the source of our strength:

• “ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB)
• “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”  (Isaiah 40:29, NLT)
• “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)
• “My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26, NASB)

We cannot rely on our own strength or abilities to get us through the next day’s tasks. It is only as we rely on Him to give us what is needed that we will be able to persevere and meet challenges.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow.‘ ”
(Mary Anne Radmacher)

Rely on God’s strength each day.
Hear the quiet voice say, “I will try again tomorrow.”
Persevere.

 

Reflection:
How do you find strength to persevere? Is there a verse which you turn to when you need to persevere?

 

Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash