Wednesday July 26, 2023

Today is Wednesday, July 26 and we are studying what the Bible says about perseverance.

I come to this time of prayer and intentionally slow down. I breathe deeply, release the tension of the day and invite God to speak to me in the stillness of this quiet space.

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful for your promises that remind me I am not alone on this pilgrim journey, but you walk with me. Hold my hand. Lead me, guide me, encourage me and strengthen my steps. Amen.

I rejoice in the steadfast love and goodness of God with the words of Psalm 37.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:5-7a

Pause and Pray

Sometimes I find myself struggling in the face of difficulty or challenges. During those times, I remember that the messages in the Bible are vital. When I need help with perseverance and determination, the words of scripture give me strength. When I feel like giving up, whether at my job, in a relationship, or a particularly difficult problem, what the Bible says about perseverance gives me the motivation and encouragement to press on. Today’s scripture is from the book of James.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Like the people in Paul’s time, I also face trials of many kinds – some are rather large and others are small and seemingly insignificant. Difficult times can cause me to question my faith and doubt God’s love and care for me. In daily trials, struggles and challenges, I remind myself to have faith in God. I keep my eyes focused on his love, grace and goodness. The Lord is near, he is faithful and I can trust him with every trouble life brings. Perseverance means to persist in doing something despite difficulty or delay. I choose to persevere. I choose to trust. I choose to wait on God.

Ask: How well am I trusting God in a current challenge? What can I do to adopt an attitude of perseverance?

Pause and Pray

Thank you, Holy Lord, for reminding me of your love and care in the face of life’s challenges. I confess that I do not always find myself joyful when I face trials throughout my day. Teach me the meaning of that type of joy. Inspire perseverance within me and show me what it means to persist in the face of difficulty or push through a setback. Finish your work in me, making me mature and complete and lacking in nothing. I read the words from James again and listen for the message you have for me.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I come to morning prayer with the assurance that God wants to speak to me and knowing that he can use the words of scripture to communicate. I affirm my desire to listen and ruminate on the text to hear God’s unique message for me. I consider how God might want to inform my current circumstances or answer a recent prayer. Perhaps God wants to supply the perseverance I need to get through a present challenge. Maybe God wants to remind me that I am not alone. He will walk with me today every step of the way.

Pause and Pray

God, you are so good to continually bless me and lift up my heart. I ask you to come and reveal the places where I am lacking faith, hope or determination. Supply whatever I need to face today’s challenges head on and give me strength to persevere in every situation – one day at a time. Amen.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:11-12

I leave this time of prayer encouraged to persevere through the power of the Holy Spirit. I go to encourage others in the name of Christ.

Amen