Transformed JuniorsSample

Pillar 6 - Perseverance

“You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
10 Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

11 “Behold, all those who were incensed against you
Shall be ashamed and disgraced;
They shall be as nothing,
And those who strive with you shall perish.” - Isaiah 41:9-11

Sometimes we men just need to stand up and shout “My God is BIG and stands with me, He’s in my corner!” Only a fool would tempt or fight with a person protected by God. Sadly, there have been many such fools. Still, I encourage you to stand up and shout it out, right now!

Once you get that off your chest it is important to ask yourself whether you know wholeheartedly that God has called you to the work you are doing. Men, this is a very serious question! God has or is calling men, even you, from the very ends of the earth, to be His servants. In verse 10 He says “be not dismayed.” This could be translated in two ways: 1) don’t stand there and look around hopelessly and 2) look not to man for aid. Then He says, “for I am your God.” God has your back!

Can you imagine the number of blessings God has poured out on people, who have blindly or willfully abandoned His amazing gifts? You have a gift from God. As we have gone over the ultimate priority thus far, another priority in the life of the believer is to persevere! A persevering attitude is immeasurably important to pass on to the next generation. As a man building a Christ-centered legacy, we must take seriously the need for our children and mentees to be those who know how to persevere!

God is doing the calling, He will help you, He will strengthen you. You don’t have to fear, or be dismayed, you can give your entire heart to His work and persevere at it and for it because He will do all that is necessary for you! Be confident that it is His righteous hand that upholds His righteousness!

Whatever God has called you to, be it a husband, worker, father, son, etc., be aware that there will be seasons of surplus and seasons of lack. Not because God isn’t providing for your needs, He will always do that. Spiritual growth demands changing circumstances. As habitual creatures, it is the only way to break our habits and fully depend on God in everything we do. It’s easy to continue the fight while things are good, but the true call to persevere is enacted when things get tough! If you find yourself in surplus today, keep going and fighting the good fight. If you are in the valley, please know that God’s words to Isaiah still apply today, and reread the verses above. May God Bless you today. Amen!