Perseverance

Today was our day of prayer.  Our pastoral team takes one day a month where we go off campus and spend the day at a location that has become a great place for us to meet with the Lord.  Upon arrival, we typically each go to our own area that has become a place of prayer and seeking the Lord.

I don't say this to draw attention to our prayers.  The truth is I feel I have so much to learn in this area.  What I know is that the Bible says of pastors that we are to 'give ourselves to prayer and the word' (see Acts 6:4).  I'm not sure that defines the role of the modern day pastor.  We do a lot of things.  If we are not careful, we don't spend much time in the word or in prayer.

My time with the Lord was launched by a phone call from a former member.  Coach Rick Moody, for whom I have the highest regard returned a call I had made to him last night.  I had called to let him know I appreciated him and he was on my mind.  He called back this morning and we talked.

I asked Coach what was the greatest life lesson you can learn from basketball.  His answer?  Perseverance.  Wow.  That was powerful.  He talked about how we all have struggles, but to not talk about our struggles.  Struggles are an opportunity for growth.

He referenced the book of James.  This morning, I dug deep into the subject of perseverance in the word of God and followed that with prayer.  Here are a few things I was reminded of today:

'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.'  James 1:2-4, NIV

'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.'  Hebrews 12:1, NIV

'But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things.  Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.'  1 Timothy 6:11

'For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.'  Romans 15:4-5

The concept of persevering means to endure, or stand fast.  It means to bear patiently.  Struggles are a time for you to grow.  Don't resist them.  Grow from them.  It will help keep the fire burning!