Perseverance

“Here’s to the people who get back up more times than they are knocked down, who give more than they ever expect to receive, who still show love to others even when their heart is broken, who smile through the sad times, who light the way for others, who spread laughter and joy.”

- Unknown

A few weeks ago, I hosted a Hymn Sing and Ice Cream Social for our seniors. I looked around the room as Ethan and DJ were leading us. Men and women singing, eyes closed, and at some points, gently wiping tears streaming down their cheeks.

I’ve been reflecting on what brought those precious, tender tears. Memories of growing up during the Great Depression and clinging to the words of those songs? Loved ones lost at war?  Stillborn children, wayward adults, or sweet memories of singing with family gathered around in church. They’ve had some amazing celebrations, and they know how to endure hardship. They have stood firm in their faith and are a beautiful example to the rest of us of what it means to endure through difficult times. Their wisdom and life experiences are priceless! In their own right, many of them are modern day heroes of our faith.

What are you going through right now? Challenges in your marriage, job loss, painful health diagnosis, finding balance with work, kids, and life? Hebrews 12:1-2 says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let us run with perseverance! No matter what you are going through, remember there are others that have gone before you with tenacity and determination because their eyes were on Jesus!

I would imagine that if we took the time to talk with some of the seniors gathered in the lobby that day, we’d hear stories of a deep, abiding faith. We’d learn of wisdom gained, bittersweet memories of days gone by, and a longing for being in the presence of Jesus. They know well that life isn’t always good, but God works good in all situations. Romans 8:28-32 says:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Maybe the best advice we could seek is to sit with a Senior and ask how they have persevered. Ask them how they’ve seen God work for good in the most difficult circumstances they’ve experienced. Listen and learn from them.

After all, they light the way for the rest of us and spread an unimaginable joy to the world! (If you don’t know a Senior, I can introduce you!)

Pastor Pam

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