PERSEVERANCE

Sometimes life presents us with many difficult trials. We often have to make decisions in response to these trials. The book of James 1:12 tells us, “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.” Perseverance means continuing with hope and patience through difficult trials rather than giving up. In my personal observation and opinion, there are two types of Christians: functional and dysfunctional. A dysfunctional Christian is stalled in the face of opposition and challenges. This causes them to lash out or become passive-aggressive, attack through sabotage, or leave the situation or the church altogether. In other words, they get stuck in a situation’s difficulties and stay emotionally stifled for extended periods. This stems from a lack of faith. We must exercise our faith by turning it over to the lord one situation at a time, one day at a time. By doing so, we find it easier to turn things over to the lord so that He can fight our battles. The battle is not yours but the Lord’s.

The functional Christian on a continuum gives every issue to the Lord. This keeps them moving forward positively. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.

If you persevere through life’s situations and challenges, dispensing God’s love sacrificially according to His will, you will receive the “crown of life” that God has promised to those who love Him.

Functional Christians Persevere.

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne