Connecting with the Lord at the heart level changes everything. Two of Jesus’ disciples experienced this. Unknowingly walking with Him after He had risen from the dead, they later commented, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the way?” (Luke 12:42). When His heart touches ours we are never the same. We can’t stay “stuck” in the same place. Peter called it being “moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Where is He taking us? He moves us beyond passivity into the realm of perseverance. We are brought into a place where we will not quit. We will not back off. We will not back down. No matter what has happened or what is happening—we refuse to be quitters!
Perseverance is the power to overcome weariness—the strength to “not give up” (Luke 18:1). Weariness is much more than being physically tired. Being “weary” means you just don’t want to try again. Weary people have given up and given in to mental and emotional indifference. But that is not who we are. We have been made to be overcomers. Jesus’ call to everyone with a “weary” soul is, “Come to Me.” I will heal your soul. Here in My presence, you will discover “rest for your souls”—the deep-settled confidence in knowing I am worth trusting (Matthew 11:28).
James said the words of God to us are like a “mirror” (James 1:22-25). They give us a clear reflection of who we really are in Him. With this in mind, consider this declaration of your true identity from Hebrews 10:39, “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” To “shrink back” speaks of a slow, steady, subtle retreat. It feigns faith, but deep within it has already forfeited the battle. But that is not who we are! “We are those who believe. We are deeply convicted. Fully persuaded. Saved and restored through and through. As a result, we are abundantly possessing all that is ours” (Hebrews 10:39b)!
–Dave Hess
Christ Community Church 