Though I am a teacher, I have much to learn from my students. One of my favorite observations over the past few weeks has been in that of one of my determined seventh grade Language Arts students. Her grade was a Meeting (traditional grading, a B), but she desperately wanted to demonstrate that she was indeed capable of earning an Excelling. (traditional grading, A) Every opportunity that I provided for students to do rewrites on essays, she took. Each chance to retake a test during lunchtime, she was present. After three or four rewrites on her essay, Miss Perseverance was able to earn the elusive excelling marks on her essay, and brought her entire grade up to that which she had hoped for. None of it had been easy, but she did not give up, and she continued to come back and ask questions until she accomplished all that she was determined to do. Few of my students will likely be as proud as she, when semester report cards go home next week.
In our walk with Christ, do we truly persevere to reach His very best, or do we settle for just getting by, or good enough? When life becomes difficult, He calls us to cling to Him, and to continue in His strength. If we cry out to Christ and hide out, we miss seeing the strength that He will provide. If we attempt to power through on our own and neglect to lean on the Lord, we lose the opportunity to witness the wonder of His presence and power in our present circumstances. Perseverance in Christ, is taking His outstretched hand, and allowing Him to lead us through whatever lies before us.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – (James 1:4)
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. – (Thessalonians 3:5)
Don’t ever give up,
lean into the Lord;
for He is our strength,
all grace He affords.
Our power when weak,
He’s steadfast and true;
perfect direction,
He will guide us through.
Let perseverance,
finish work in you;
to grow and mature,
in Christ, ever new.
Lacking for nothing,
may God guide our hearts;
in His light and love,
let us do our part.
Witness the wonder,
of all that He is;
in all times and things,
give praise to Jesus.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we persevere, You grow us in You. Thank You that Your love is evident, no matter what we face, and Your presence is always with us; we simply need be aware. Forgive us for calling on You, but standing still, or for attempting to power through on our own. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will take Your outstretched hand, and allow You to lead us along this path we trod. Guide our hearts to love others as You so wonderfully love each of us. May many come to know the security found in relying on You for guidance and direction. Be glorified O God, as we persevere on the path to which You have called us. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25
Revelations In Writing 