Why this difficulty?

Because He loves you. He has in mind to strip you of depending on yourself in ways you didn't even know you were depending on yourself, to humble you and create something beautiful.

Entry #23 - Persistence + Patience = Perseverance

  The persistent widow (Luke 18) did not give up until she was given justice. Jesus likens this parable to our prayer life, encouraging us to be persistent in prayer. God always answers our prayers. Sometimes the answer is "yes," sometimes it's "no," sometimes it's "wait." But He always answers.

  James 5:7 - "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." I love the comparison of our life being compared to a farmer and his crop. Just as there are seasons in the weather that produce life, we go through seasons as well, and those seasons are necessary for growth. We need the rains as well as the sunshine. And the farmer is patient because he knows his crop is valuable. Anything that is of value is going to take work, effort, and patience.


  I think I have been persevering (or trying to), without keeping the persisting + patience part into perspective. Persevering is work. I am tired emotionally and spiritually in my efforts to just "persevere." Having patience can be restful. Persisting is simply not giving up. Together, they equal perseverance. Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I don't want to take the easy route that teaches me nothing and produces nothing of value. I want to persevere in patience, and persistence.