Perseverance

(Philippians 1:2-6)  Sometimes we feel like giving up the struggle.  We try to persevere, only to fall or fail once again.  We take two steps forward, but then we stumble backward.  We feel condemned, and we fear that even God may give up on us.  At times there are so many difficulties, so many issues to work through, so many patterns in our life that have to be changed, that we begin to feel as if we are going crazy.

God acknowledges the difficulties we face, but he also promises us victory in the end.  The apostle Paul wrote:     “Over-whelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).  Paul also said, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).

When we feel as if we are going crazy and don’t think we can handle life, God is there.  He is determined not to give up on us.  We can rely on his persistent love.  God has promised to keep working on us until we are whole.  There will still be tough times, but with his help we can handle them, one day at a time.