Perseverance.
It is something I feel finishing that 3-mile run, when the old hamstring injury starts to tug at my will.
It is something the young child feels when he says: “I can’t!” “I can’t”! I Can’t! … and then … “I CAN!”
And it is something the homeschool mom knows when dishes remain in the sink, laundry sits in piles on the bed, a stack of school books sit waiting to be checked, a child asks for help, a husband needs a favor, and health appointments keep her from home.
He only is a true conqueror, and shall be crowned at the last, who continueth till war’s trumpet is blown no more. Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies.
C.H. Spurgeon
There are usually two modes this time of year:
Happiness on completion of a year, looking forward to starting up again, enjoyment in researching and planning new resources for next year.
Or despair at having to do it all again, and not knowing how to find the creativity, energy, or will.
The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can but tempt you to cease your pilgrimage, and settle down to buy and sell with her in Vanity Fair.
The flesh will seek to ensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. “It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a furlough from this constant warfare.”
Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he will insinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He will endeavour to make you weary of suffering, he will whisper, “Curse God, and die.” Or he will attack your steadfastness: “What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as do others, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do.” Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: “Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: fall in with the times.”
Wear your shield, Christian, therefore, close upon your armour, and cry mightily unto God, that by his Spirit you may endure to the end.
C.H. Spurgeon
We persevere.
- We persevere knowing we are not alone, that He who called us to this task will help us finish it.
- We persevere because the stakes are so high, and we have been given the task of raising our children for Him.
- We persevere because this is the “trial” God uses to bring us to Himself, to wear down stubborn edges, and come to the end of ourselves to rest fully upon Him.
- We persevere because we love our children and want His best for them.
- We persevere because we long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant…. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
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