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
“The believer is to persevere in his Christian course to the end of his life: his work and his life must go off the stage together. This adds weight to every other difficulty of the Christian’s calling. We have known many who have gone into the field, and liked the work of a soldier for a battle or two, but soon have had enough, and come running
home again, but few can bear it as a constant trade. Many are soon engaged in holy duties, easily persuaded to take up a profession of religion, and as easily persuaded to lay it down, like the new moon, which shines a little in the first part of the night, but is down before half the night is gone—lightsome professors in their youth, whose old age is wrapped up in thick darkness of sin and wickedness.
O, this persevering is a hard word! This taking up the cross daily, this praying always, this watching night and day, and never laying aside our clothes and armour, I mean indulging ourselves, to remit and unbend in our holy waiting on God, and walking with God. This sends many sorrowful away from Christ, yet this is a saint’s duty, to make religion his every-day work, without any vacation from one end of the year to the other. These few instances are enough to show what need the Christian hath of resolution. The application follows. This gives us reason why there are so many professors and so few Christians indeed; so many that run and so few obtain; so many go into the field against Satan, and so few come out conquerors; because all have a desire to be happy, but few have courage and resolution to grapple with the difficulties that meet them in the way to their happiness.”
William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 6-7) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Upon arrival at home from Pakistan, I learned that our tulip bulbs from Amsterdam may blossom soon.
See the header photo. Soon we will have beautiful flowers. These durable buds that come out in early Spring offer a helpful image of our topic today: perseverance.
Perseverance may represent one of the most important aspects of generosity. Let me explain.
People need to see “holy duties” not just once or twice. They need to see us staying the course in our living, giving, serving, and loving especially in hard times.
Gurnall is right when he says there are so many professors and so few Christians.
They want the happiness but are not willing to pay the price to get it. Gurnall points the way with ironic language. Notice the pathway to growing in perseverance.
It requires waiting and walking with God. Or like the tulip, waiting for moisture and looking to the sun.
“This taking up the cross daily, this praying always, this watching night and day, and never laying aside our clothes and armour, I mean indulging ourselves, to remit and unbend in our holy waiting on God, and walking with God.”
Today marks a special day. We celebrate with our granddaughters that Eve is 3 this month and Ellie is 1.
I think the theme of the party is donuts so it will surely be a sweet time. My prayer for both of them is holy waiting on God and walking with God so like blossoming flowers, they can persevere and find true happiness.
I am learning that my job is to persevere and show them the way.