The other day I was packing up decor…taking it down from the house, wrapping it up, putting it in boxes, and then carrying and storing it away. I was just about done and near the end when I bent over to pick up something from the ground and then BAM! All of a sudden it felt like my lower back popped and I went straight to the ground, unable to move.
It’s possible that some of you may have experienced this before (I’m with you people) and it’s possible you’ve never experienced this yet (lucky), but long story short, my lower back seized up and took me out of commission for a few days.
Now anyone that knows me knows that I have a VERY hard time laying down and resting. I’m sure this is pride and I have a lot of issues to deal with (that’ll be in future posts), but I found myself thinking about perseverance. Not only does my body have to heal and I’ll persevere through this back issue, but it made me think of just how much Jesus persevered upon my behalf. Just how much He persevered for all of us.
Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross (after being tortured), and rose again from the grave defeating death and sin in Victory. Let’s just say my “back issue” is nothing compared to what Jesus has done. Regardless of what we are going through, no matter how painful it might be, we must remember that Jesus has done everything for us…that He knows us…that He can sympathize with our every weakness…and that He will bring us through whatever it is we are going through today.
Praise The Lord that Jesus persevered and made what was impossible, possible on our behalf.
Here is what the Bible has to say with scripture on perseverance:
James 1:12 – 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.
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Revelation 3:11 – I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Romans 2:6-7 – He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
Psalm 17:5 – My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
James 1:2-4 – 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.
Romans 5:3-5 – More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
James 1:4-5 – 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.
Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
