Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

• Hebrews 10:36

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

• Hebrews 12:1-2

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

• James 1:12

“As you continue to seek God’s purpose for your life, you will undoubtedly experience your fair share of disappointments, detours, false starts, and failures. When you do, don’t become discouraged: God’s not finished with you yet.
“The old saying is as true today as it was when it was first spoken: ‘Life is a marathon, not a sprint.’ That’s why wise travelers select a traveling companion who never tires and never falters. That partner, of course, is your Heavenly Father.
“Are you tired? Ask God for strength. Are you discouraged? Believe in His promises. Are you defeated? Pray as if everything depended upon God, and work as if everything depended upon you.
“Perhaps you are in a hurry for God to reveal His plans for your life. If so, be forewarned: God operates on His own timetable, not yours. Sometimes, God may answer your prayers with silence, and when He does, you must patiently persevere. In times of trouble, you must remain steadfast and trust in the merciful goodness of your Heavenly Father. Whatever your problem, He can handle it. Your job is to keep persevering until He does.”

• Family Christian Press, His Passion … Your Purpose

I have written about a lot of things, but perseverance seems to blend from one topic to the next.

God promises us trials.  We will have tests of faith, and the stronger our faith gets, the stronger that those trials may be or more often.

It is how we react to them that matters.  Do we throw up our hands and ask, “Why me. Lord?”  I hope you do not blame God for the hardship.  God gives Satan only a short leash when a test comes along.  Bear through the test.

And sometimes the best response is to ask what do you need to learn.  This puts your mindset in a framework that God has already paved the way to the other side.  At no time do you feel defeated.  You know God is in control and when this is over, you will be stronger for it.

But getting to the point when you can do that, there will be struggles.  In everything, praise God, even if your only mindset is that when I get to Heaven, this obstacle, in a form of a trial, will not be there.  But the way in which you grow will.

“Heavenly Father, sometimes, this life is difficult indeed. But even in my darkest moments, You never leave my side.  Today, Lord, let me be a finisher of my faith.  Let me persevere-even if the day is difficult-and let me follow Your Son Jesus this day and forever. Amen.”

• Family Christian Press, His Passion … Your Purpose

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.