As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11 NIV®.
We have read about people who have endured great hardships in life. Their life has been a constant inspiration to many. Their passion has flowed over to many in the past to do great things and will continue to rise up many heroes of faith in the future.
We don’t have to look far always.
Great story of endurance could also be among those we know personally.
They could be a member of our own family or a friend. Some are silent endures.
The world won’t know about them.
But God knows them. He sees everything.
He knows the cry of every heart. He knows the chaos in every troubled mind.
There are few people I would like to call out.
Incidentally, they are women. They are women of extraordinary faith who fought against many odds just because they wanted to obey God.
Number 1 on my list is Ruth from Moab.
Tragic circumstances had left her and her mother-in-law a widow and they now lived in abject poverty. They had less chance of survival.
Yet this Moabite lady chose not to abandon her mother-in-law Naomi who was very old. Instead of going back to her family and seeking a second chance of happiness, she stayed behind and took care of Naomi.
She remained true to the God of Israel.
God has a special heart for widows and the fatherless.
Ruth obviously had understood this about the God of Israel.
Number 2 on the list is Corrie Ten Boom.
She was a Dutch Christian woman. She endured great pain and ridicule in a German death camp.
But her love for God and the vision that was shared by her sister Betsie drove her to realize God’s mercy and faithfulness. Corrie even conducted Bible reading and singing sessions in the camp for a group and re-instilled their faith in Christ.
She stayed steadfast on God’s promises even to the point of realizing that death was just a roll call away.
Number 3 on my list is Susanna Wesley.
Susanna Wesley was the mother of famous evangelist Charles and John Wesley. She had 19 children in all. Their family had a constant struggle with debt and poverty. She did a lot of odd jobs to support her family. With her husband thrown in prison as they were unable to pay back the debt, Susanna took upon herself the responsibilities to educate her children.
She ensured that her children got their live feed on God’s scriptures. She knew that time spent with God was the best investment. There was no get-away or special place in the house for her to find peace and quiet with children all about.
She advised her children that if they find their mother with her apron over her head, she is to be left undisturbed ‘cos that was when she was in conversation with God.
God honoured this praying mother by having all her children grow up in great faith. And Charles & John went on to become great evangelists.
I chose these three women to bring forth an important note.
These women belonged to a different time period.
They faced hardships and their own unique circumstances. But they all understood that their hardships were only temporary, and their circumstances may or may not change.
They knew that there lay a greater reward at the end for those who persevere.
A Crown of Life.
If you are currently going through a tough time, remember to reach out to Jesus.
‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.‘
James 1:12 NIV®.
You may have had a rough patch in life. It would be great to share your story with someone who needs it. Tell them how Jesus walked with you while you persevered and helped you walk through it and out of it hopeful and victorious.
Have a blessed time with Jesus.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™