“The perseverance of the saints is only possible because of the perseverance of God.”
J. Oswald Sanders
Recently, when I sat down to spend time in God’s presence, I heard God say, “Just think, it all began with a cup of coffee.” I immediately knew what He was referring to. For my first thirteen years as a Christian, I struggled with having consistent quiet times. One day after I retired from teaching to become a stay-at-home mom, the Lord suggested I have a cup of coffee while doing my quiet time first thing in the morning. The Lord is so smart! He knew I needed that little incentive to draw me to spend time daily in the Word and in prayer. His encouraging enticement to pair time with Him with my morning Joe did the trick to cement a lifelong habit.
Spending time with God each day is one habit that centers me and helps me remain steadfast in my walk with God. Daily quiet times ensure a better me for those I’m with, so I’m sure others are grateful I maintain this routine.
Some things that are good for us aren’t always instantly noticeable. We don’t always reap immediate results. Rather, it’s over time and persevering through the uncomfortableness, cost, or sacrifice that comes with discipline, that we begin to see the value of it. Habits rarely come easy, but something is built within our character as we stay true to the practice.
Writing took many years of perseverance, of doing it simply out of sheer obedience to the Lord before it became a creative that I enjoyed. I had to make myself write, when it was hard, when I didn’t want to do it, and when I had no idea what I was doing. Today, writing is what refreshes my soul, and what I want to do in my partnership with God. I’m sure it would not be this way if I hadn’t persevered.
Initially, I did daily quiet times because it was more like a duty that I checked off my to-do list. Gradually it became my desire, something I delighted in doing. I first came for the cup of coffee and now I come to be with the One I love!
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Whatever difficult routine or practice God is asking you to do, I want to encourage you to lean heavily upon Him for help and for the grace to persevere. Press through all the obstacles, keep sowing consistently, and you will reap the benefit that comes from persevering.
“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Charles Spurgeon
Relevant Reflection:
What is God asking you to persevere in today?