We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; and perseverance, [c]character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3
Sometimes, as women and mothers, we ask God for things, experiences, and a change in circumstances for our households, especially as it relates to our children. It seems even though we pray to God or lecture our children, we talk to teachers and counselors, and the things we seek still elude us. I’m talking about years of asking and seeking. Some mothers actually give up and just resign themselves to circumstances they feel are beyond their intervention. The circumstances are often beyond our direct control. If you feel in your spirit, your gut that God has shown you something about your child and your family, hold onto that vision forever. During this process we have to learn how to listen for God’s direction daily in the life of that child, even if that child is 40 years old. Listen daily for how to move in that circumstance. Develop the discipline to listen daily even though you may not hear daily. However, when the direction is given, follow that direction. You may see immediate results. You may not. Know that the seed is planted and is being cultivated for the time to blossom. Before the time of blossom, you may have various tribulations to go through with that child or circumstance, but never give up.
This is perseverance. It is a steady persistence in a course of action despite difficulties, despite obstacles and even in the face of discouragement. It is holding on to what you believe in your heart God has for you and your household, no matter what. You don’t have to tell anyone about it. You don’t have to beat your children or your husband over the head with it. You just seal it in your heart and share it with the Lord of the universe in prayer over time. Moses’ mother had to put him in a basket as an infant and let him drift upstream to the Pharoah’s daughter. Then, wait years to see him again after he was weaned. Sara was told she would have a baby and waited until she was 90 years old for the fulfillment of this promise. Ruth, a widow, persevered with her mother-in-law and received the blessing of being in the lineage of Jesus as the wife of Boaz. Mary, the mother of Jesus was told that her son yet to be born was conceived by the Spirit of God and would be the Messiah of who the prophets spoke. She had to be put away privately to not make a disgrace of her and Joseph’s family. These women had been given an experience that they had to hold on to regardless of what was happening in front of their eyes. Sara doubted and had her servant Haggai become a surrogate for the promise of God. We see the results of her intervention.
Perseverance is about more than what we are praying for. It is about what God is doing in us as we wait. The experience of perseverance includes tribulation and is the very process that defines our character. Character is moral excellence. It is learning how to be right within and with excellence. Through tribulation, we learn how to walk without complaining, whining, and grumbling. We learn how to walk in grace. Perseverance is knowing right from wrong and doing what is right in excellence because you understand what will unfold was ordered, purposed, and conceived by the Holy Spirit. You understand the grace you walk in is the gift of God. You have learned that in the face of all that could have happened wrong, God was with you in his infinite Grace. And because of that grace, there is a hope that has been birthed within you. This hope will allow you to see what is not visible now. But it’s on its way. Maybe not even in our lifetimes but it will be.
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Romans 8:25
October 17,2024
Diane Rasbury