Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Don't Give Up!

In the past two weeks much has been happening to take our eyes off of the One who gives us life.  In our corner of the world,  the larger community, the country, and oh so much across the oceans.  We seem to be burdened with a season of winter, .of confusion and struggle...a season of hatred and violence...of suffering and grief....a season of sickness and pain....of broken relationships.   We may not be seeing the victory yet, but God says, "Just stay calm....I will fight for you."  We may not be feeling the warmth of the Light, but the Word of God says, "You are my Light and my salvation, so why should I be afraid?" We may not understand or get answers to our why questions, but we stand firm...."It is for freedom that Christ set us free, so I will stand firm then......"  Stand firm in THE Truth, and as I did with friends last week, ask others to hold up your arms like Hur and Aaron did for Moses when necessary.  Another blogger friend Sharon shared her own story HERE about the same need.  We hold up the arms of those we love and care about, our community, our country, our world ---through prayer!

Observing the seasons of struggle in others and within, I asked Holy Spirit yesterday to speak to me through the most recent teaching presented by Havilah Cunnington at Bethel Church.  He did not disappoint. 

As Havilah spoke, one word erupted like lava into the atmosphere.  Persevere.   P.e.r.s.e.v.e.r.e.  Don't givc up.  I heard these words nearly a year ago from evangelist Michael Koulianos as he relayed to me words of knowledge from God.  I read it today in Joel Osteen's daily devotional and I share it with you who need to hear it today or will need it tomorrow. Persevere.  Don't give up. Be steady.  Be consistent, not ruled by emotions or what goes on around you.    It  is part of your God given DNA to persevere, even when it is hard, or everything seems to be in chaos around us.

Hebrews 10:23 speaks to this message. 

"Let us hold tightly without wavering
 to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted
to keep His promises."

And there it lies, the reason we persevere.......God can be trusted.  He will keep His promises.  God sees everything and He is faithful!  He is our Protector, our Provider, our Healer, our Peace.  Keep your eyes on Jesus. This is where our strength comes from to persevere and proclaim Christ!   Don't give up!

"I will be in perfect peace
when my mind is focused on you,
because I trust in you."
Isaiah 26:3

2 comments:

Sharon said...

Renee, bless your heart, thank you for mentioning me! And yes, may I also be the Aaron and Hur arms that help you hold up your hands in faith, too! The world is going crazy. Every day I read the headlines and I become more convinced that we just might live to see Jesus come for us.

In the meantime, your post has spoken much Truth. I so appreciate your message today. It encouraged me deeply. Persevere - yes! That is the call to the faithful. And I love how you pointed out that the reason we are able to do that is because of the One we wait upon.

Never give up, never give in. HE is trust-worthy, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. And, when we feel like we cannot take another step, we are wise to remember that He is ALSO the finish line!

GOD BLESS!

Anita Johnson said...

You know how much a enjoy your writing and your trust and hope in the Lord. Persevere. P.e.r.s.e.v.e.r.e. Don't give up. God is faithful.