February 24, 2014.

I apologize that this is so late in the day. I had a busy day with a lot of driving, so I am just now getting the chance to sit down and write. I have made a commitment, and I plan to stick with it. For this reason have I chosen today’s topic: perseverance.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
(2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

Paul, in my opinion, had one of the best attitudes in his day as a Christian. It seemed he was joyful most of the time, even when he was suffering. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean he was happy, as I believe there is a subtle, yet important difference between the two. Paul, as he mentioned in another letter, had learned to be content in whatever situation he found himself. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful quality to have?

Whereas Paul was not necessarily talking about keeping a commitment to write a blog, I do believe he was encouraging those who are going through tough times to keep their commitment to Christ. To persevere. Notice how Paul words it: we have this treasure… Our perseverance through troubling times shows that power belongs to God and no one else. No man, woman or child. God alone. So whether we are being burned at the stake or are just trying to find time to write a daily blog, our perseverance will result in God’s glory.

Let us then press on towards his glory, that one day we will live eternally in his presence.

Suggested Daily Reading: II Corinthians 4, Hebrews 11-13

The Lord grant you strength in Him.

-Walter