Perseverance

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

The next five weeks we get to study perseverance. Athletes understand the benefits of hard work and consistent training. All athletes understand the value of practice because we experience the benefits when it is time to perform. If we work out, study, and improve on our weaknesses, we become a better performer. Training of course is hard. There are times when all we can think about is giving up and ending the temporary discomfort that accompanies training. It’s when we don’t give up that we are most rewarded in the end.

Think back to some of the hardest practices or training sessions you have ever been through. What kept you focused and what motivated you to persevere? One of the most helpful things for me was encouragement from teammates that were going through those practices with me.

In Galatians we are given encouragement to “not grow weary of doing good.” This week I want us to encourage someone else to persevere through a struggle. We all know someone that is hurting. The list of hurt can often become long this time of year, when hope seems to be snuffed out by bills, sickness, and cold/cloudy days. Many of you are probably reaching out to someone already, but maybe there is just one more phone call to make or love donation to give.

Finally, if we believe in Jesus and trust him with our lives, we can be certain that heaven is waiting for us. Let us never lose sight of where we are going, and if any of us are unsure of our final destination, now is the time to find out and ask. Take care this week!

Matt Simmonds