Weariness lowers the standard of expectancy. Weary people often adopt a theology based on their disappointment with God. Weary ones say with a shrug, “Oh well, I guess that’s all I can expect in this life. I’ll simply endure the earth and experience heaven later.” But perseverance says, “By the grace of God, I am going to see as much of heaven invade this life as I possibly can.” There are gaps in this life between the “now” and the “not yet.” Promises have been made, yet they have not fully manifested. Weary people accept and accommodate the gaps. But persevering people stand in the gap and say, “Come, Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God.” They replace the “Oh, well” of weariness with the “Thy will be done” of expectancy.
Perseverance could easily become a tedious exercise in self-righteous performance. Yet, sheer determination on our part can never produce perseverance in our hearts. Only our Father can do that! He opens His amazing door of opportunity to us, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). We can experience the Father’s embrace, as His loves releases us from all fear. And we can receive the same quality of perseverance that throbs in Jesus’ heart, empowering us to experience a hope that endures.
He completes what He starts in you!
He never quits! He loves to fill you with His tenacity!
—Pastor Dave Hess
Christ Community Church 