James 5:10-11 says, “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the
prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have
seen what the Lord finally brought about.
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
I don’t want to be that person. I don’t want to be known as blessed because I
have persevered. Sure I want to be known
as blessed, but not because I have persevered.
A few weeks ago I wrote the following in my journal...
“Who am I mad at?
I am mad at God. I am mad that
this happened. I don’t want to drink
this cup. I want to resist and rebel. I
want to shake my fist at God and cry out to Him. I want to pick a fight...a fight with
God. How arrogant is that? Very but that is the vile and venom that is
in my heart right now. I am angry.
Someone is to blame. He is the
creator and able to do anything that pleases Him. Why does this have to please Him? Why?
Why? Why? This is not the cup I want to drink. This is not the path I want to walk. I can’t faith it and I can’t fake it. I either rebel and go my own way, which is
futile OR I surrender to His way. I
don’t like it. I despise it. I hate it.
It hurts.”
I went on... “I want to get to
the bottom of this pit and find Him there.
I need you God!!!!!!!!!!!! I need
you like never before!!!!! Take the hurt
and pain I do not understand OR do I understand and just don’t want to accept
it? I don’t care. I am a raging man - make me raging for
you. Let me see you in this depth. Let me feel you I pray.”
I share this with you because we
think perseverance is “pretty” and “nice,” when the reality is it is “raw” and
“hard.” Walk the road God has placed
before you and walk it honestly, for that is where you will find the power to
persevere and when you persevere, it will be said of you that you are blessed!
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
