James 1:2-4 reminds us - "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenver you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". In the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver, the author likens her journey to write this book as the same process a Christian is called to journey in order to reach eternal life. We can stumble over the process when we expect immediate results:
The trouble, of course, is that most of the time we'd rather not persevere. We all want a testimony, but we'd rather skip the test that gives us one. We all want a product. But we'd rather skip the process.
As Charles Swindoll writes,I fear our generation has come dangerously near the "I'm-getting-tired-so-let's-just-quit" mentality. And not just in the spiritual realm. Dieting is a discipline, so we stay fat. Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out. Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off. Getting a book written is demanding, so we stop short. Working through conflicts in a marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away. Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we start looking elsewhere . . .
And about the time we are ready to give it up, along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers: "Now keep going: don't quit. Keep on."
What a timely piece of encouragement - from the highs and lows in life, during the ups and downs, God does not demand perfection. Rather we are called to persevere. One day we may be the cornerstone of strength, and the next we turn into the roadblock who slows ourselves and those around us down. Thankfully, we have hope. Hope for a better tomorrow even when we have bad days, weeks, or months. And we know that our God is a merciful and loving God, always there, ready to whisper encouragement if we but stop and listen: "Don't Quit".
