Persevere

“But the seeds on the good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop” Luke 8:15

To persevere is to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty. And we all have been called to persevere, for this is how we become productive in the kingdom.

There is this story about an official of a mission board, who knew it takes more than just desire to make a missionary. He was appointed to examine a candidate for the mission field and he told the young man to be at his house at six o’clock in the morning. The young man complied and arrived at six o’clock sharp. The examiner kept him sitting alone in the room until ten. Then he finally came in and said abruptly, ” Young man, can you write your name? A little taken aback by the simplicity of his question, the man paused. Before he could get a word out, the examiner blurted, “What, you don’t know what it is?” The mission board official put him through a series of questions of that nature and then went to report to the mission board.

“Okay,” he said, “he will do.” I tried his patience for hours and hours and he did not break down; Then I insulted him and he did not lose his temper. This candidate answered with patience, fortitude, and gentleness. His faith was vindicated by the very quality of his character. He will make a good missionary.”

Whether we realize it or not, we all are in the mission field. Our patience is bound to be tested in ways we have never imagined and we will most likely find it unfair and unkind at times.

Yet standing strong in the Lord in the face of offensive treatment and enduring seasons of long-suffering is a testimony in and of itself and that will win souls!

Don’t be weary. Count it all joy! You have endured much and you will see victory! Not only here on earth but when we meet the Lord!

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9