Persevere AND Stand Firm
PPERSEVERE is defined as: carry on, keep going, be persistent, follow through, keep at it, but it also means to stand one’s ground, STAND FIRM, stay the course, unmovable, and hold on. Persevere AND stand firm — almost sound like contradictions to each other. Keep going, but unmovable?
In this photo is a little desk plaque that Mom gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago. She said, “I saw it and I just knew I had to get it for you.” The words on it are “STAND FIRM….Be strong and immovable, always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58. When I received it, I’ll admit I thought “Uh oh, Lord, what is it that I’m going to need those words for this year? Also, in the photo is a rock I received at a meeting and underneath it is the word “perseverance”. That’s a double word exhortation for me. PERSEVERE and STAND FIRM.
I looked for the message behind the message and the message is clear. Each of us, in our own lives, are dealing with stuff — circumstances, people, situations, challenges and decisions to be made. It’s enough to give us tummy butterflies and jitters. That scripture in 1 Corinthians gives us a step-by-step way to handle our anxieties and our impatience.
gain, STAND FIRM means to be unmovable, holding a position of “heels dug in” with bulldog tenacity. Someone who has that bulldog tenacity is unmovable. Their heels are dug in. Bulldogs never quit. If they get hold of your leg, they won’t let go. They are known for their tenacious spirit. They are actually bred to be tenacious.
We may not know what is up ahead for us in this new year, but I intend to remember to PERSEVERE “enthusiastically” in whatever God calls me to — especially in the work I do for Him, and STAND FIRM in my trust in His unwavering love for me that assures me that everything is gonna’ be alright and “in due season I will reap, if I don’t faint…..while standing firm”. Father knows best and His promises are true. I’m going to PERSEVERE in my faith and STAND, and when I’ve done all to stand….I’m going to keep on standing. I won’t give up, until I’m taken up.
The next time we find our courage tested to the limit, let’s remember that God is as near as our next breath, and He offers strength and comfort to His children. He is our shield and our strength; He is our protector and our deliverer. Whatever our challenge, whatever our trouble, God can help us PERSEVERE. And that’s precisely what He’ll do if we ask Him. Our job is to keep PERSEVERING until He does.
I’m thinking that I’ll start introducing myself this way: “Hi, my name is Donna, but you can call me ‘Bulldog’!”