Perseverance

Miriam Brownlee, Australia

My name is Miriam Brownlee. I have been married to Chris Brownlee for 40 years and we have been members of the Sydney Church of Christ since 1994. We, like so many others over the years, have faced, and still do face, challenges be it the unexpected death of a child, cancer, kidney transplant, diabetes, and partial blindness to name a few. However, we have persevered and keep on persevering.

the difference (ref: Tapestries of Life – Poems. 1993)

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me, And heavier came each task. “Why doesn't God help me?” I wondered. He answered, “You didn't ask.” I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn't show me, He said, “But you didn't seek.” I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn't knock.” I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray. – Anonymous

devotional

Romans 5:3-5 – Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I think we all do strike those times when we feel alone and forget that we are not alone. Just talk to God! Even if it is just a phrase like “God give me strength!” I find that phrase calms me and I am able to cope.

Read Matthew 6:5-15. This passage explains Prayer, and also includes what is known as the Lord's Prayer, teaching us how to pray and what to be thankful for.

Do you sometimes forget to ask God for help or guidance? I know I do. But just knowing God has a plan is calming and supportive even if it is sometimes very difficult to understand When we were baptised, we all made a promise to God that Jesus Christ is Lord of my Life.

reflection questions

• How do you think knowing God has given you more strength and perseverance?

• How can you build on that perseverance?