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HOPE AND PERSEVERE

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

We all know that life isn't always easy. And more so for a Christian who wants to live a life contrary to the world's philosophies. Sometimes it is tempting to throw in the towel. And there are other times when we go through situations that make us wonder, "God seems to come through for everybody else, but not for me!" James, the Lord's brother has some advice for us: 'As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.

You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy (James 5:11).' We come nowhere close to what Job went through. But as the verse says, we count ourselves blessed as we persevere through tough times, knowing fully well, that in the end, the Lord rewards us.

The Bible talks about perseverance almost always in the context of living a life of obedience to God and His call. While our own disobedience can also bring us hard times, God is kind enough to give us the strength to persevere if we repent and come back to Him. We all fall, but we must pick ourselves up and persevere in a life of obedience. Never become tired of doing ‘good’. We, living on this side of the cross, unlike Job, have a much clearer understanding of The Day when God will reward each one according to what he has done. If we persevere in doing good, seeking eternal glory, honor and immortality over temporary relief, God will grant us eternal life (Romans 2:5-7).

When we suffer for the Lord, we do so not by gritting our teeth, but like the disciples, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering for God's name. Besides, we are living in a fallen world where some things are inevitable - we lose our loved ones, our careers, financial crunches, health crisis etc. But there is a big difference when a believer goes through difficult times and when an unbeliever does, the difference being 'hope'. We have an unshakable hope of eternal life. Apostle Paul exhorts - "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Cor. 4:17)."

The CHALLENGE to Change:

Have you been praying for something for a long time and not received an answer? Don’t give up. Ask the Lord to help you understand. Persevere in prayer, trust and obey. Do not give up hope, endure till the end.