The Way of Perseverance

A Conversation Crystallized God’s Purpose for My Adversity

I have felt led to write a blog for about 10 years now. I had written soliloquies to encourage myself. Like dew in the morning, God’s word appeared in the early hours before I rose for the day.

He gave me refreshment enough for hope of another day.

Trials compounded as I assumed my place in the adult world with adult responsibilities that rendered me empty of spirit.

Quiet and gentle provision of His promises, like the dew collecting on the grass, nurtured my need to pen what God and I hammered out together through every adversity and every adjustment.

What follows is one of the first.

And so, this blog begins.

Purpose for Adversity Found in a Conversation with God

Melissa:  I’ve finally figured out Your plan.  Decades of living with progressive physical disabilities brought me to near zero. Compounding that, I had three sons I knew not how to parent. Long-standing and unnecessary financial problems weighed heavily. My marriage failed after 31 years. Zero emotional reserves. Zero financial stability. Zero strength.  Zero.  No matter what life demanded of me, I had naught. 

Behind the curtain of each day, I came to find the infinite storehouse of Your wisdom given to me. Even when I didn’t seek Your help, You strengthened me. Your Word made the way for me to persevere.  I also came to understand that the overcoming was not for my benefit alone. Was it?

Jesus: I knew you’d finally understand. 

Melissa: The afflictions were the conduit from which Your grace and wisdom flowed to me.  

Jesus:  Afflictions are a gift.  

Melissa: Why did it take me so long to understand?

Jesus:  You were self-centered.  You thought your recovery came from your own strength and determination. You thought what I provided you was only for your own flourishing.  Silly girl.

Melissa:  You’ve given me a powerful story to tell about your “incomparably great power to those who believe”.  But there’s just one problem.  I’m sequestered by my physical challenges.

Jesus:  Yea, I know.  I gave you those. Remember?

Melissa: So many people languish in their despair. I need to put pen to paper. To tell others that Your steadfastness can become theirs.

You showed me that the way to perseverance is challenging.

Yet, You are faithful to make good on Your promises. The promise of Your love, grace, presence, and strength with the gift of adversity. The way to perseverance is essential for flourishing.

Melissa: But there’s just one problem.  I’m not a writer.

Jesus: No, but I am.

You listen; I’ll write.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 
 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 
And let steadfastness have its full effect,
that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, 
let him ask God, 
who gives generously to all without reproach,
and it will be given him…

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test
he will receive the crown of life, 
which God has promised
to those who love him.

James 1:2-5, 12

Do you ever feel that you are at zero?

Do you find yourself struggling under the weight of the beautiful but formidable responsibilities of parenthood?

I count it a privilege to encourage you to find God-centered insight for shifting that weight to Jesus. He can bear what you can’t.

Feel free to leave a comment (I will respond) or subscribe to my email list.