Keeping going …when we don’t feel like it.
Tuesday night, (when it’s free), is training night. I make my way to Dromore AC to join others to do drills, to run at different paces around the athletic pitches. It’s always a tough session, but it’s one thing in the week I try not to miss. That’s because over the years I’ve seen my times improve. I’ve learnt that the temporary pain I feel in pushing myself is working a greater good. Perseverance increases both stamina and speed.
And perseverance in my walk with Jesus brings about a greater good. It’s the path to Christian maturity. It’s the continuing in my faith, (especially in those seasons when I don’t feel like continuing), that brings about spiritual strength, a more robust trust in God. …That’s what James is telling the embattled believers he writes to.
James 1:2-4 [2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Just this morning I read that, (in early July), a number of Afghan pastors and church leaders decided to formally register their faith with the Afghan government. They felt compelled, for the sake of future generations, to legally declare their true faith in Christ. … “What about our children and our grandchildren?” they said. “Someone should make this sacrifice so the next generations can openly call themselves followers of Jesus.”
In the very time when being known as a Christian invited extreme danger, they went public. Why? Because they realised the greater good. The pain of rejection, the very real threat of further persecution, they considered a worthwhile price to pay so that their faith could be known far and wide. …In taking this brave step they were following the footsteps of their Saviour, who embraced the cross to bring salvation to the world.
Let’s continue to remember our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, and let’s learn the lesson they’ve embraced - perseverance in the Christian faith works a greater good. Please join me in prayer now.
Dear Lord Jesus - thank you for persevering through the pain of the cross. You did for our sake. And we thank you for our brave brothers and sisters across the persecuted world who daily follow in your footsteps, especially in Afghanistan. May you strengthen them to remain true to the faith. We ask that you would pour out your Holy Spirit upon that land, bringing revival. And Lord we pray for ourselves - that you would help us to realise the greater good perseverance in our Christian faith brings about - that we may become mature and complete in our faith - Amen.