DAY FIVE: Perseverance

by Denise Jones

Perseverance is something I have always marveled in others. Most people that I would consider heroes all have that same characteristic in them. They keep going through all types of obstacles, and somehow they endure. When most of us would have quit a long time ago, I find myself wondering what is it in these heroes that drives them to keep going?

One of these heroes for me is a young woman who I have seen walk through one of the darkest journeys imaginable. Her story is filled with abuse—both against her and her four children as well. She hit roadblock after roadblock in trying to save herself and her children. I honestly don’t know how she is still standing under the weight of it all. So I asked her to share her secret of how she continued to persevere.

Here is what she said to me . . .

“In the darkest moments, God is in your midst. Though you feel forsaken, He is working. Some days it takes every bit of effort you can muster, but finding His grace and mercy and provision in your every day is a huge part of what has gotten me through and continues to get me through. I believe in the power of gratitude and the importance of intentionally searching for it even when I feel empty. The more I practice thanking God out loud for the blessings in my life, the more I become aware of all the ways that He has held me and my children.

“When we slip down the muddy path of getting stuck in all the ‘why’ and ‘how could you’ questions, we question God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. This is a dead-end trail that will only blanket us in our despair. And I have, and do, spend my fair share of moments under this heavy burden. Until He reminds me of His unfathomable love! And as I search for glimpses of it, I am reminded of so many blessings, and the darkness lifts. It is a daily, often moment-by-moment exercise that takes practice and effort, so that it can reside in the forefront of my spirit, breaking through the worries, fears, and frustrations, and dissolving hopelessness. We cannot be hopeless if we are thankful.” 

Gratitude . . . I don’t think I expected this to be her answer, but it sure did jolt me into reality. We all have something to be thankful for. It’s in gratitude that we can get up and face a new day. One thing that we can always be thankful for is that Jesus loves us, died for us, and is there to see us through the best and worst of times. For my friend, that’s enough. And the truth is, it’s enough for all of us.

READ

Philippians 4:6

1 Thessalonians 5:18

PRAY 

Lord God, Give me a spirit of thankfulness. Help me to know that as your mercies are new every morning, I have reason to be ever-grateful. Thank you for loving me and sacrificing your Son on my behalf. In his name I pray, Amen. 

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This plan was adapted from How You Live: Lessons Learned from Point of Grace by Denise Jones, Leigh Cappillino, and Shelley Breen. Visit howyoulivebook.com to find out more.