Thursday, April 12, 2007

OPPOSITION? DISCOURAGEMENT? PERSEVERANCE!!






One of the joys of pastoring is celebrating special times in parishioners' lives. Recently, Milton performed a vow renewal ceremony for a couple married 50 years. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony by a swimming pool. As I stood there, I thought about the many years this couple has been together. I thought about the joys and sorrows they've shared, the hopes and dreams they've had. I thought about all the compromises they've made. Compromise is what it's all about, according to one couple in our church married 50 years.

Another word that comes into play in the longevity of marriage is perseverance. Webster's says perseverance means "steadfastness" and "the condition of persevering;" and persevere means "to persist...in spite of opposition or discouragement."

Opposition? Discouragement?

Somebody reading this is having opposition or discouragement. Maybe it's not concerning your marriage. Maybe you're not even married. But those things are happening in your life. Maybe it has to do with your career. You know all about it because you're experiencing it. I'd like to encourage you today. I'd like to see you have steadfastness through these things so you can experience success and victory. Here are some tips for you, below. Practice them. They are from the Lord:

1) "Dear friends, let us love one anther, for love comes from God" (1 John 4:7). Love is the operative word. Don't try to love in your own strength. It comes from God, and He will empower you to do it, no matter how hard it may seem. The love is going to flow again.

2) "I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me" (Psalm 13:6). Even though your heart may be heavy, give praise to God. Think on the good things. Refuse to allow yourself to homestead on your hurts. SING!

3) "What is impossible with men is possible with God" (Luke 18:27). That which you're striving for seems impossible, but it's not. Remember, God's in the equation, and He is the God of the impossible. He's brought you this far, and He'll take you into the home stretch. Rely on Him. Trust in Him. Believe. And He will bring it to pass.

Amen and amen.

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