Perseverance #3 — A Heart for the Work

Be very careful how you try to deliver yourself from difficulties; for God is at work among you, so you will purpose and work with the best possible attitude. Philippians 2:12-13

Christian life is like a walk along the beach—in water up to our knees. We must concentrate every step we take, so the waves of circumstance don’t knock us off our feet. And we must be aware of our attitude. If we are to persevere to the end, “holding fast to the word of life” is imperative. God has placed us in difficult and threatening positions. Therefore we must be very careful, fearing and trembling, so we will not forget the wonderful promises that propelled us into the surf in the first place. Left to ourselves we might soon tire of the shifting sands and the surging sea; we might cease believing he knew the path of life. But God is also working in our lives so that our desire to finish is strong enough to bring about our long-term obedience. In the midst of turmoil, he enables us to rise above grudging duty and parochial pressure by causing us to delight in him and in his design for our good, just as Jesus demonstrated in his suffering on our behalf.

Lord Jesus, thank you for enabling me to obey you with a good will. May I humbly hold fast to your word so I neither grumble nor complain. Rather, let my life shine with the light of delight in you and your work. Amen.