I Am Raising Up a People of Perseverance by Lana Vawser - Identity Network

I Am Raising Up a People of Perseverance by Lana Vawser

Identity Network

 

I had a dream recently where the Lord spoke clearly, "I am raising up a people of perseverance."

 

God is raising up a people of perseverance. Right now God is dealing with the issues of the heart that would hinder perseverance. Those areas of the heart that continue to raise themselves up, that fear links into, that anxiety lives in, where discouragement or disappointment took root, where the weeds have gone deep into the gardens of people's hearts. God is uprooting those things now.

 

God is strengthening His people. God is refreshing His people. God is healing His people. God is fortifying His people.

 

Many of you have been battered, many of you have been bruised by what you have walked through. Many of you struggle to hope. Many of you struggle to dream. Many of you are scared to "believe again." Many of you are continually faced with the thoughts of it being "easier to give up" than to keep moving forward.

 

I prophesy over you right now in the name of Jesus that the Lord is doing a deep work in your heart and He is raising you up as one who embodies perseverance.

 

You will Encounter the Fire in His Eyes of Love for You

 

The Lord showed me that for those of you who have really been struggling, feeling weak, feeling sad, feeling discouraged, feeling weary, there are encounters upon you with Jesus where you are going to encounter the fire in His eyes of love for you and it will impart a deeper fire in your belly, His fire.

 

The enemy has tried to take many of you out. He has tried to steal from you, kill and destroy and through it all, you have continued to stand. You have continued to remain but you have not been feeling as strong as you used to be. Many of you feel the fire has gone. Many of you have been feeling the strength to continue to chase after Him and all He has for you, depleting.

 

Get ready to get back to your first love. Get ready for your heart to burn for Jesus like never before. Get ready to go back to that place of deep intimacy with Jesus. Your heart is about to burn for Jesus like it never has. Many of you are going to have encounters with Jesus where you will literally be mesmerized by the fire in His eyes. The healing, the revelation, the impartation that is going to be released upon you as you see His loving, burning gaze towards you. The revelation of who Jesus is, is going to be burned in you deeper than ever as you see His eyes!!!!!!!!!!

 

"He wore many regal crowns, and His eyes were flashing like flames of fire."  Revelation 19:12 (The Passion Translation)

 

Stolen Vision

 

Many of you have been living under confusion, many of you have been feeling like you have lost your vision in the battle, but I prophesy in the name of Jesus that in seeing His eyes, being locked into His gaze, these deep encounters, your vision will not only be restored but you will have greater vision than before. The haze will clear as you see Jesus and His loving gaze towards you.

 

Many of you have been looked down upon over your life. Many of you have been looked down upon recently, and you have been living under a cloud of condemnation, fear of punishment, and lies concerning your identity. These encounters with Jesus, are going to break all of that.

 

Arise in Perseverance and Power

 

You are about to arise in perseverance and the power of His Spirit in greater ways. Your seeing Him, is about to change everything within you.

 

You are going to arise with the fire in your belly that cannot be quenched. You will no longer know weariness, or fear like Elijah that would cause you to want to run and hide. You are coming out and coming out with fire. You are coming out strong. You are coming out empowered by His Spirit. You have been tested and tried but you are coming out now carrying fire, His fire. You will not be silenced. Your vision will no longer be hindered. Giving up is no longer an option.

 

James 1:2-4, 12 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast (or perseveres) under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

 

Where many of you have had your faith shaken by fear and disappointment, get ready to see His goodness, miracles, and amazing testimonies all around that will restore your faith.

 

I see you chasing after Him with greater vigorous strength and joy! Restored! Refreshed! Replenished! Rejuvenated and strengthened with a deeper fire, conviction and hearts cry of John 6:67-68. "So Jesus said to his twelve, 'And you - do you also want to leave?' Peter spoke up and said, 'But Lord, where would we go? No one but YOU gives us the revelation of eternal life'" (The Passion Translation)

 

The enemy has tried to chase many of you away from your promise, your destiny, your inheritance, but no more.

 

He is raising you up in perseverance and power. Strengthening your faith, awakening you to your authority. You are crossing over and taking more ground than you have ever taken, moving into greater fruitfulness than you have known, breakthrough at the heart. Harvest time, and the strength within you to carry it.

 

Lana Vawser

www.lanavawser.com

 

Go here to read more articles by Lana Vawser.

 

 

 

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Why Satan's Attacks Against You Seem More Ferocious Than Ever - JOYCE TILNEY CHARISMA NEWS

Win the battle you stepped into when you became a Christian. (Brook Cagle)

Why Satan's Attacks Against You Seem More Ferocious Than Ever

 2/11/2017 JOYCE TILNEY  CHARISMA NEWS

I hear so many Christians say, "I'm under attack!" as though they were surprised. As a Christian, born again by the Spirit of God, you were translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. You entered a war zone! Yes, you live in a constant state of war between evil and good, God and Satan.

When the Lord delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt and told them about the promised land, He told them He would not give them the land all at once. There were too many enemies in the land that they didn't know how to fight. They would be consumed by the enemy. He was protecting them. He said, "As you increase," I will drive out the enemies, and you will inherit the land (Ex. 23:29-30)

At the same time, He kept them in the wilderness. He directed their footsteps with a cloud and fire. He fed them with manna. He expects us to grow in wisdom and stature just as Jesus did when He lived in this earth.

There is nothing new under the sun! When we read and study the Bible, which was written for our learning, God is showing us how to fight. First, we must realize even though we are living in this world, it is a spiritual battle we are fighting. Satan is your enemy. It is not your husband, neighbor or co-workers. You have been given all the spiritual weapons you need to overcome in this world. First John 5:4 tells us, "For whoever is born of God overcomes the world, and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith." The battle has already been won. You just have to enforce it in your life!

I love to study the women in the Bible. God spoke to my heart while I lived in Scotland and said, "Teach women today from women of yesterday." He gave me Romans 15:4: "For whatever was previously written was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Why are you reading the Bible? A sense of Christian duty? To impress others? We are to read and study to show ourselves approved and to grow in wisdom to build our faith so that we can overcome every dart the enemy tries to shoot in our direction.

Every time you open your Bible, you are equipping yourself and strengthening yourself for the battle for your life, your family and your nation. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17)! The Word of God has to be revealed to you by the Holy Spirit to become alive and active in your life. When you speak the Word that is alive in you, you defeat Satan as Jesus did coming out of the wilderness (Luke 4:4).

When I study the life of Deborah, I see a wife, mother, intercessor and prophetess. At the time of Deborah, there was moral outrage, lawlessness and violence. This resulted in a society of destruction and chaos. A permissive lifestyle ran rampant in the land. Does this sound familiar?

I believe the Lord is extending an invitation to women of God today who are willing to stand up and use their God-given power and influence to change the world they live in.

Deborah did not try to overshadow Barak; she understood her call as a mother in Israel and men and women were drawn to her. Her prophetic anointing flowed through her to release divine strategies for the day. When we walk in our call as Deborah did with the heart of God for her family and nation, we will receive the same favor.

God needs Deborahs today to use their influence to change this nation. Too many women are suffering from rejection and pain from tradition and religious beliefs. They are walking wounded in their souls and need to be set free to follow their heart. God is raising up women in all walks of life to deliver His divine strategies and wisdom to discern the times and seasons. Are you willing? Believe me, embracing the call of God is not an easy lifestyle. If you are not ready for resistance, you are not ready to step out. We live in a war zone. God will not take us to the front lines until He knows we are equipped and ready. 

Joyce Tilney is the founder of Women of God Ministries, teaching women today from women of yesterday. She is an author and Bible teacher. Visit wogministries.com for more information. Her new book and workbook, Why Diets Don't Work – Food Is Not the Problem, share her testimony of how the Lord helped her lose 88 pounds. There is nothing impossible with Him. Visit the website: whydiets.com for information.

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Endure Hardship As a Good Soldier by Elaine Tavolacci - Identity Network

Endure Hardship As a Good Soldier 

by Elaine Tavolacci

Identity Network

The Holy Spirit brought back a word that I had received a couple of years ago. Many of you have been proven faithful through very difficult times and have learned how to triumph over every obstacle in your path. You have allowed the Lord to strengthen you and you have persevered through horrendous storms, but now it seems as if the enemy has returned with a vengeance.

The Lord showed me an analogy of a luxury car.  A luxury car must go through greater testing than an economy car before it is released to the car dealership.  To test a luxury car such as a Ferrari they may have to hit a wall to test its strength.  They will perform crash tests to test the amount of pressure that it could stand.  They will run it through all seasons to check its performance and tolerance to adverse weather patterns.  It will be tested through the snow, the rain, the heat and extreme weather conditions.  

They will also test it on the mountains to see if it could pass the test of perseverance, stability and excellence.  They will test it on sharp turns and U turns to make sure it is agile enough for the winding roads and they will test it on rocky roads to test its endurance.  The reason why a luxury car needs more testing than an economy car is because it has to be proven for what it is worth.  We are also tested and tried for our value and worth in the kingdom of God.

Trying Times of Your Past

The Lord says; "It was the trying times of your past that has strengthened you to become the person whom I have created you to be.  Things may not have gone according to the way that you have planned, but know that I am preparing you for greater works in the days ahead. As the enemy tries to return with a vengeance, remember where I have brought you from. Don't lose your focus.

As you look back at the difficult times, you will see that there was a purpose and a plan.  Everything that you have endured will be used for My glory.  As you have stayed strong in times of adversity, I will now entrust you with greater responsibilities.  As you have allowed Me to restructure your life and make the proper adjustments, you will now become more effective in that which I have called you to do.

Every step has been necessary for the preparation of your spiritual growth.  Although you have wrestled and contended in this last season, it has made you durable and able to trust Me in this season.  Through difficult times you have learned not to allow frustration to overwhelm you but you have recognized the opportunities for the days ahead.

A Vessel Unto Honor

The adversities have not caused you to be hardened with bitterness but have made you pliable to be used as a vessel unto honor. 

As you stand steadfast, you will see the victory.  You will understand the preparation and the process is crucial for the days ahead, and there will be a positive outcome for every unfortunate situation.  As you allow Me to build you for endurance, your character and integrity will be strengthened.  There are lessons to be learned that are necessary for your advancement so that you could fulfill all that I have called you to do; says the Lord.

2 Samuel 22:35 He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.

Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

Elaine Tavolacci

www.awordinseason.info

www.TheVoiceOfBreakthrough.com

www.TheVoiceOfProphecy.com

Go here to read more articles by Elaine Tavolacci.

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Watching the News, There's Only 1 Thing Left to Do - LARRY TOMCZAK, CHARISMA NEWS

Despite what the news says, there is a hope. (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Watching the News, There's Only 1 Thing Left to Do

10/27/2015 LARRY TOMCZAK  charisma news

If you're like me, you watch the cascade of nightly news items and wonder where this is all headed. To be honest, it really is downright discouraging.

Chuck Norris' son, Mike, is releasing a movie called Amerigeddon—that says it all! Yet in the midst of this, we must remain people of faith and optimism.

Seven words from Jesus can sustain us during these challenging times: "Let both grow together until the harvest" (Matt. 13:30). In other words, prior to the return of Jesus, there is going to be a ripening of both good and evil in our world. While we work while it's still day to be a bulwark against the flood tide of wickedness, we must make a quality decision each day to not sink in our spirit.

A popular book on the market is titled The Secret of Success Is Not a Secret. What is the mysterious secret?

Perseverance!

The remarkable book traces the stories of multitudes of individuals who faced incredible setbacks and yet by persevering emerged victorious. If you need fresh inspiration, get yourself a copy.

In times as challenging as today, Paul wrote to encourage the early Christian community with these words, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance" (2 Thess. 3:5). How apropos for our generation.

If ever there was a time for people of faith to understand the power of perseverance, it is right now! We are entering a phase of history where challenging tests are increasing as God's exciting plans for His people are unfolding.

Here's the deal: Understanding perseverance and knowing how it is developed is a non-negotiable for walking triumphantly in these perilous times.

The Importance of Perseverance

Perseverance or endurance means remaining steadfast, constant, unwavering and actively standing strong. It means realizing my personal struggles are necessary for future achievements.

• "Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

• "Because iniquity will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matt. 24:12-13).

• "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?" (Jer. 12:5).

Let's face it—pressure reveals the person! Perseverance undergirds till breakthrough.

Recently my wife and I hosted a man whose wife just died after a lengthy battle with cancer. I officiated at her memorial service days ago. They were a team and an extraordinary faith-filled couple. Yet the reality is, Vicky went to be with the Lord, though that was not what they ever imagined.

My wife and I grappled to console our dear brother that his wife was not only exemplary, but similar to John the Baptist, her earthly assignment was apparently done. Her death, like John's, is a mystery and seems premature, but we must persevere, not despair.

Sometimes we face horrendous circumstances when it appears things have come to an end. The natural tendency is to throw in the towel and quit. Maybe that's why the word "endurance" begins with the word "end." Yet God gives us his Holy Spirit whose role is to encourage us to press on in spite of perplexing circumstances.

Do you recall in the Rocky III movie, when he stood discouraged and devastated on the seashore after losing the heavyweight title to Clubber Lane? In a very emotional scene, he told his wife he had basically lost "the eye of the tiger" and was giving up.

In a role reminiscent of the role of the Holy Spirit, Rocky's wife, Adrian, exhorted him passionately to stop yielding to destructive thinking, rise up and reclaim the prize.

Sylvester Stallone came to his senses and eventually reclaiming his championship title. He put into practice the discipline of discarding negative thinking and replacing it with truth. So must we on a daily basis.

John Rohr, a "mentor to the masters" in the leadership world, has a classic statement that we would do well to post on our mirror: "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day."

Read that again and ponder its significance.

As pressures heat up today, we must practice the simple disciplines that are at the core of our Christian life. They are essential for us to persevere in an ominous period of history.

---

3 Keys to Developing Perseverance

1. Be consistent in cultivating intimacy with God.

Isaiah 40:29-31 tells us, "He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

Notice the three covenantal promises that belong to us when we "wait" (literally "intertwine" ourselves) with God by spending consistent time in His Presence, meditating on His Word, praying and worshipping Him. First, there is new strength. Second, there comes a new perspective, viewing things from the heavenly viewpoint. Third, there's new endurance!  

God uses the imagery of a soaring eagle that is so different from an earthbound chicken. How many of us are like chickens clucking and flapping our wings and yet not experiencing any breakthrough or peace in difficult times? God calls us to be like the majestic eagle, who from his high vantage point will catch the current of a mighty wind and literally fly without flapping for over 10 miles.

As Corrie ten Boom used to say in encouraging people to spend quality time with Jesus, "Nestle, don't wrestle."

2. Don't change course unless God specifically directs.

Proverbs 24:16 tells us, "For a just man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked will fall into mischief." God tells us here to get up, dust ourselves off and stay in the race when tempted to give up. As a coach once said, "Success is rarely final. Failure is rarely fatal."

Consider presidential candidate Ben Carson who was raised in poverty in Detroit. His mother was one of 20 or so children with little more than a third-grade education. As a youth, Ben tried to stab a person and could've ended up in prison. Thank God this led to his conversion!

Yet with all the adversities he faced, Ben Carson heeded his mother's counsel and read books voraciously. He went to Yale. He went to medical school. At the age of 33, he became the youngest head of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital.

Facing numerous setbacks, he continued on with his career, achieving seats on the boards of Costco and Kellogg. He was the first doctor to separate co-joined twins after 22 hours of surgery. Today, in spite of liberal media attacks, he perseveres.

What does Carson say to us to encourage us?

"Successful people don't have fewer problems. They have determined that nothing will stop them from going forward."

So no matter what you're facing, stay in the game! Unless, that is, God is redirecting your course.

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a "time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted; ... a time to break down and a time to build up; ... a time to gain and a time to lose; ... a time to keep and a time to cast away."

The key is to be led by the Holy Spirit, who guides us each day if we position ourselves to listen to any course correction.

In Nashville, for two years we hosted regular, citywide meetings of a group we called "T.A.G."—The Awareness Group.

Every week we addressed the hot button issues of our culture and were equipped by prominent leaders.

Months ago, we sensed God directing closure. The assignment was completed, and for us to keep going would've been what Scripture calls a "dead work."

Don't continue on beyond where God has called you or where the grace of God won't sustain you. Remember Ishmael?

3. Remember the future rewards.

Throughout life's journey, we face many obstacles. Sometimes we struggle for the sake of Christ. Other times it's due to satanic opposition. We also struggle if we shun God's laws and reap what we sow.

Yet let's remember that we serve a merciful God who loves to take our trials and turn them into triumphs, our setbacks into steppingstones and our trials into triumphs.

In the midst of life's difficulties, it's wise to remember the rewards that lie ahead to gain fresh motivation to persevere.

Take consolation from the words of Paul as he faced his execution sitting alone in a dark and dreary cell. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

One of my spiritual mentors, Derek Prince, said, "There is no way to finish the race and keep the faith unless we fight the good fight."

If you've been discouraged or tempted to quit lately, recognize God custom-designed this commentary just for you! He's calling all of us to persevere and cross the finish line as "more than conquerors" (Rom. 8:37).

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31).

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of eight books with 43 years of trusted ministry experience. He is a cultural commentator whose weekly articles appear on sites reaching 26 million monthly. He is a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. Connect and view short video commentaries at larrytomczak.com.

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Prophetic Destiny: 3 More Tests of an Overcomer - Che Ahn

Here are more tests to pass before you will see your prophetic dreams come to light. (iStock photo )

Prophetic Destiny: 3 More Tests of an Overcomer

10/18/2015 CHE AHN  charisma news

Get ready to step into a new season.

September 13-15 marked the beginning of a new year on the Jewish calendar (5776). While nowadays we use the Greco-Roman calendar system, I feel the Jewish calendar has prophetic significance, and I always sense something stirring in the spirit around this time of year.

Usually coinciding with Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), September is also a significant month for me personally: It's when I got married to the love of my life, when I was ordained and when I received a prophetic dream to move to Los Angeles.

This Jewish New Year is extra special because it is the Year of Jubilee. On the Jewish calendar, years are observed in seven-year cycles, with a sabbatical year on the seventh year. Then at the culmination of every seven cycles (a total of 49 years) comes the 50th year: the Year of Jubilee, when all agricultural work ceased, all land was returned to its original owner and all slaves were released into freedom! (See Leviticus 25:8-24.)

God wants to unload His immeasurable blessings on you in this New Year!

If you want to walk in the fullness of what God is doing, you must partner with His prophetic plan both for the church as a whole and for your own journey of faith.

On Tuesday, I shared the first two tests you must overcome to see your prophetic dream come to pass as you pursue your God-given destiny. Today let's take a look at the next three:

3. The Purity Test. In Genesis 39 the story of Joseph continues as he faced a test that every person has to go through: the purity test.

"Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, 'Come to bed with me!' But he refused" (Gen. 39:6-8).

Joseph passed the purity test with flying colors. What was his secret? He had the right perspective that was aligned with the fear of the Lord: "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9).

If you want God's blessing and favor, you must flee from immorality—and run straight to the Lord!

4. The Prison Test. The next phase of Joseph's journey was another test of character. After being falsely accused of rape, Joseph was sent to the king's prison (Gen. 39:17-20). There he was sustained by the Lord as he kept his heart from bitterness due to injustice.

To overcome the prison test, you must persevere and hold onto hope that is anchored in God. Perseverance means fighting the battle while you are waiting.

Perseverance produces character (Rom. 5:3-5), and character is the key to supporting your destiny. Deep character comes through deep trials.

5. The Prosperity Test. Finally, through a series of God-orchestrated events—including extraordinary prophetic insight that came through the interpretation of dreams (Gen. 40-41)—Joseph came into a place of power and influence as his prophetic destiny unraveled (Gen. 40:38-44).

The final test boils down to how you handle prosperity and favor when it's given to you. It's not just about reaching your destiny but what you do with your destiny.

When God prospers you, it's your responsibility to intentionally give Him all the glory.

Joseph's story is a tale of trials and testing, but it's also a testimony of God's faithfulness to complete the work He started.

God has a dream for you! His thoughts for you are higher than yours, and you are called to greatness in His Kingdom! 

Ché Ahn and his wife, Sue, are the Founding Pastors of HRock Church in Pasadena, California. Ché serves as the Founder and President of Harvest International Ministry (HIM) and the International Chancellor of Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI). With a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, he has played a key role in many strategic outreaches on local, national and international levels. He has written more than a dozen books and travels extensively throughout the world, bringing apostolic insight with an impartation of renewal, healing and evangelism.

For the original article, visit hrockchurch.com.

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'Passion, Persistence and Perseverance' - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

 

Passion, Persistence and Perseverance

by Steve Martin

 “I see everything you're doing for me. Impressive! The love and the faith, the service and persistence. Yes, very impressive! You get better at it every day.” (Revelations 2:19 THE MESSAGE)

(Note: I wrote this in Feb. 2014. Looking back it was our last Christmas with Laurie's Mom Lorraine Unzicker, who went to be with the Lord Jesus on July 31, 2014 at age 92. We are grateful we had this special time with her, until we see her again!)

Ben Martin, Lorraine Unzicker and Laurie Martin - Christmas 2013 in Peru, IL

“If the passion isn’t strong enough, the perseverance won’t last enough.”

That thought came as I was meditating on…or rather silently fretting about…the 14 hour drive ahead of us. Heading out on the long road ahead, in the middle of winter, through the Carolina mountains, to the plains of the Midwest, wasn’t what I wanted to be doing these next short days. But that’s where Laurie, my son Ben and I were headed.

We were spending Christmas with the family in Illinois, after not getting up there for the past five years, for this special holiday. I was keeping my word made to Laurie the previous spring, when the daffodils were blooming, the robins were singing, and life all around was fresh and abounding.

No longer did I desire to get out on the open road, as I did years ago, and drive 12-14 hours straight. It just didn’t appeal to me anymore, and I was dreading the long two days behind the Hyundai Elantra wheel. Not only that, but leaving on a Saturday, driving for two days, and having to start the return back on Christmas Day afternoon, to be in the office for one day, Friday, because my boss wanted me back for an upcoming event…

Well, I just wasn’t rejoicing and singing songs of merry.

“If the passion isn’t strong enough, the perseverance won’t last enough.”

When what I knew was the Holy Spirit speaking this word right about then to me, my attitude began to change. It was important to keep my word. It was indeed going to be special to be with Laurie’s mom Lorraine Unzicker, now 92, and her two sisters (Linda and Judy) and their families. That was what my heart and head were to focus on right now. Not the physical cost of getting there.

When faced with a situation that you know will take some stamina and persistence, we need to dig deep into our soul and count on the Lord to give grace and provision for the task ahead. Often we are given the choice to take the easy road, stay in our comfy chair wasting time in front of the TV, or move forward with what we know will count for eternity, by doing that which we are called to do. A simple choice, at least it should be. Too many times we take the easy path, which will be easier on our flesh.

The Apostle Paul had a mighty mission he had been apprehended for. The passion burning in his heart kept him going when it would have been easy to stop, count the harvest already accredited to his account, and call it done. But he didn’t.

“I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

And that's not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches. 

When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.” (2 Cor. 11:24-29 THE MESSAGE)

In no way am I comparing a 14 hour drive to what the apostle Paul had to endure to fulfill his calling at times. We want to think so, though.

In your ongoing walk with the Lord Jesus, consider that price which He paid for us. Receive encouragement from Him, from the other examples given to us throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Read about the martyrs who have gone before us through the centuries, giving their lives for the eternal passion instilled within them. Then we can find that which is necessary to continue pressing on to the mark, to win the prize, to reach the final destination.

The reward will be great.

Now think on this.

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

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Ahava Love Letter #121   “Passion and Perseverance”   Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.20.14) Thursday at 5:00 am in Charlotte, NC).

All previous editions of Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Ahava Love Letters

Passion, Persistence and Perseverance - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Passion, Persistence and Perseverance

by Steve Martin

“I see everything you're doing for me. Impressive! The love and the faith, the service and persistence. Yes, very impressive! You get better at it every day.” (Revelations 2:19 THE MESSAGE)

“If the passion isn’t strong enough, the perseverance won’t last enough.”

That thought came as I was meditating on…or rather silently fretting about…the 14 hour drive ahead of us. Heading out on the long road ahead, in the middle of winter, through the Carolina mountains, to the plains of the Midwest, wasn’t what I wanted to be doing these next short days. But that’s where Laurie, my son Ben and I were headed.

We were spending Christmas with the family in Illinois, after not getting up there for the past five years, for this special holiday. I was keeping my word made to Laurie the previous spring, when the daffodils were blooming, the robins were singing, and life all around was fresh and abounding.

No longer did I desire to get out on the open road, as I did years ago, and drive 12-14 hours straight. It just didn’t appeal to me anymore, and I was dreading the long two days behind the Hyundai Elantra wheel. Not only that, but leaving on a Saturday, driving for two days, and having to start the return back on Christmas Day afternoon, to be in the office for one day, Friday, because my boss wanted me back for an upcoming event…

Well, I just wasn’t rejoicing and singing songs of merry.

“If the passion isn’t strong enough, the perseverance won’t last enough.”

When what I knew was the Holy Spirit speaking this word right about then to me, my attitude began to change. It was important to keep my word. It was indeed going to be special to be with Laurie’s mom Lorraine Unzicker, now 92, and her two sisters (Linda and Judy) and their families. That was what my heart and head were to focus on right now. Not the physical cost of getting there.

When faced with a situation that you know will take some stamina and persistence, we need to dig deep into our soul and count on the Lord to give grace and provision for the task ahead. Often we are given the choice to take the easy road, stay in our comfy chair wasting time in front of the TV, or move forward with what we know will count for eternity, by doing that which we are called to do. A simple choice, at least it should be. Too many times we take the easy path, which will be easier on our flesh.

The Apostle Paul had a mighty mission he had been apprehended for. The passion burning in his heart kept him going when it would have been easy to stop, count the harvest already accredited to his account, and call it done. But he didn’t.

“I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. 

I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

And that's not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches. When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.” (2 Cor. 11:24-29 THE MESSAGE)

In no way am I comparing a 14 hour drive to what the apostle Paul had to endure to fulfill his calling at times. We want to think so, though.

In your ongoing walk with the Lord Jesus today, consider that price which He paid for us. Receive encouragement from Him, from the other examples given to us throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Read about the martyrs who have gone before us through the centuries, giving their lives for the eternal passion instilled within them. Then we can find that which is necessary to continue pressing on to the mark, to win the prize, to reach the final destination.

The reward will be great.

Now think on this.

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

P.S. It was a good time with family those short Christmas days. Here are just two photos I took.

Lorraine Unzicker, Laurie and Ben

Christmas night at a Chinese restaurant on the way home.

The only place to get food that night when we stopped.