Perseverance Brings Joy

This Christmas break we took our family up to the mountains for some snow hiking. (Ray Benson Sno-Park on the Santiam pass).  It was a great day!  The snow was fresh and powdery, the weather was good, and, of course, having the family together was wonderful.  We even sat on a snow covered log and ate our lunch!  (Eating lunch on our hikes is an Elmer family tradition.)

But as I think back and ponder our wonderful snow hiking day, I realize that it didn't come easy.  We planned ahead for the date, communicated with each other for ideas, packed a lunch, got out the snow clothes, rented the snowshoes, and then drove 2 hours each way to make it happen.  It was a lot of work, actually.  We didn't think about it as work.  It was all a delightful adventure.  Nevertheless, it took perseverance.  In fact, on the drive up the mountain we thought we could find snow lower down on the mountain, and hence, a shorter drive.  But such was not the case.  We had to drive all the way up to the summit to find enough snow.  So, at one point, I was tempted to complain about how far the drive was.  But I persevered and didn't complain, even though I felt like it.  (We don't have to behave like we feel!, one of my mentors would always say.)  So when we got out into the snow I gladly declared, "It was worth the drive!"

Many things in life are like that... they take perseverance.  In fact, most things that we enjoy take some form of investment, sacrifice and perseverance.  Whether it's family events, career accomplishments, or even ministry at church... the greatest achievements usually involve staying the course.

The Bible reminds us about this value in many places:

James 1:2-4...  "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Romans 5:2-4... "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

James 1:12... "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Proverbs 24:16... "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity."

In the coming year, 2020, I want to persevere MORE than I did in 2019.  I want my life to count for God and for Heaven more than it did last year.  I'm praying already that God will give me His strength by the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow Him with intense love and faithfulness.