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Listen while you read: "Trust And Obey"1 (Lyrics) |
Historic Molly Butler Lodge and Restaurant is in Greer, Arizona, USA. At 8,356 feet in elevation, it's a refreshing retreat from the ferocious Arizona heat. Established in 1910 by pioneer Molly Butler in the wilds of the White Mountains, its guest book records patronage by long-ago famous people such as author Zane Grey and Presidents Herbert Hoover and Teddy Roosevelt. President Hoover gifted Molly with the White House Cookbook, from which she got the recipe for Prime Rib Chili, still featured on their menu.
One Sunday, I went there for lunch with the Greer Chapel pastor and his wife. The restaurant is set on the side of a hill, so there are many steps to get up to the dining room. As we got out of the car, I noticed a small girl, about two years old, holding onto her daddy's huge hand as she laboriously climbed those steps. Her legs were about the same length as the space between the steps. Her daddy patiently watched and helped as she stretched high to reach each step. She didn't ask to be picked up, but persevered till she reached the top. I felt like applauding!
I was impressed by that little girl's persistence. How often do we maintain that attitude toward tasks that we are doing, or, especially, towards living our Christian lives?
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. (ESV)
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. (ESV)
2 Thessalonians 3:13 – As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. (ESV)
Struggling with this? Here's the answer:
1 Chronicles 16:11 – Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (ESV)
In The Faith to Persevere, Oswald Chambers states:
- Perseverance means more than endurance — more than simply holding on until the end. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, but our Lord continues to stretch and strain, and every once in a while the saint says, "I can't take any more." Yet God pays no attention; He goes on stretching until His purpose is in sight, and then He lets the arrow fly. Entrust yourself to God's hands. Is there something in your life for which you need perseverance right now? Maintain your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the perseverance of faith. Proclaim as Job did, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).
Prayer: Lord, sometimes, we feel like we're being stretched too far! Help us to focus on Your purpose for our lives and to persevere to the end. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
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Amen, Sharon.
Thank you for your wonderful message.
Thank you. I need not to grow weary in doing good.
Thank you for your email Devotional. We need the strength of the Lord, especially in this challenging times.
I appreciate and I’m encouraged by, your “Big Steps” image of the little girl persevering. Thank you very much.
Thanks once more for painting a memorable picture with your well-chosen words, Sharon. Lovely start to my day.
Good morning Sharon
During these days of not being able to do much outside of our house we certainly need to persevere.
Hope you and yours are well.
Greetings Sharon,
Many thanks for your devotional writing. Yes, whatever we have to face in life circumstance we need remember to call on our Lord and He will be right there to give us the strength to persevere and follow through on His plan.
Blessings to you and enjoy a pleasant day.
(B.C.)
Good evening Sharon,
Sending greetings and blessings from Canada and trusting that you and your family are doing well and keeping safe.
I thank you very much for reminding me of preserving, and trusting in our God, I had similar experience last week, as it can be very challenging at times to accomplish a simple task when you have a disability.
Thanks for this devotion it was written for me!
May the good Lord continue to bless you richly as your devotions are always so inspirational.
Be safe and be blessed.
Thanks for your Devotional Sharon.
God’s blessings.
Hi Sharon,
I really enjoyed reading your devotional today on perseverance. A great encouragement and applicable to what l am going through right now with a new business undertaking. Thank you so much!
Blessings.