| Faith, Hope, and Persistence I don’t know about everyone else, but there are times when I despair. These feelings can be amplified in the echo chamber of our own mind. The troubles compound one another. We are seeking a new senior pastor. We are seeking a new church home. We are seeking financial stability and security. A lot of prayers going up. But when I am in a low mind, I have to remind myself that all of us, including those of us who despair, are being watched over and cared for by the greatest love. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) talks about our justification through faith and our hope in the glory of God. Verse 3-5 tells us: 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Well, folks, we’re building a lot of character, aren’t we! I must stay the course and pray for the Lord’s guidance and know that God will work through me. We continue to ask for something from God, even when it seems like the request is not being answered or when facing challenges. A prayer of persistence involves maintaining faith and trust in God’s timing and believing that God will eventually respond. This type of prayer often involves perseverance, not giving up even when facing discouragement or delays in receiving an answer. I often find prayer, praise, and devotion to the Lord in secular material, if you just read it in that light. I believe God reaches out to us by touching others and speaking through them. One such writing is such praise, one I think appropriate to those of us with self-doubts: Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself and curse my fate, Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope, With what I most enjoy contented least; Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on Thee, and then my state, (Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate; For Thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” And I remember the words of Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States, who said, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Press On!”. Dear heavenly Lord: We continue to pray for Your help, guidance, and love as we seek to do the work of the church. We fervently pray that our actions are accomplished as You wish them to be. We ask that You watch over each of us and continue to give us the strength and grace to seek Your will in our hopes and endeavors. Guide us to lift each other up in faith and fellowship as we continue to take on the struggles we have been charged to face. As you tell us in Romans 12:10 (NIV) 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Bill Russell Treasurer, Board of Directors Bill@ResurrectionMCC.org View full newsletter HERE |
