PERSISTENCE..
The moment I questioned having my 8 year old drive…..
I had a rough week last week. I guess when you write about anger and how to stay cool, you are going to be tested soon after. I am assuming it goes with the territory. The word that kept coming to me all week was persistence. I had multiple people speak that word to me in different scenarios and it has just stuck there all week.
What is persistence? The google dictionary defines it as, “firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.” I love the word obstinate in there. I can’t think of a better description of persistence. It means to keep working on your plan, no matter what. It doesn’t matter what anyone says, or what it looks like, you are staying true to yourself and following through with your plan. Obstinate continuance…. Stubbornly keep trucking…
That doesn’t mean you will always be right with your plan, but in the end, you will know you gave it all you had. I spent most of my life listening to others tell me to “be responsible, and to stay on the stable path in life.” Honestly, I’m done with that. That approach to life has given me a lot, but it has kept me from achieving what I know in my heart is out there for me.
The loss of my son almost 2 years ago has really changed my perspective on things. I look at life now and realize that experiences matter, don’t put things off, and to cherish every opportunity to do even simple things. No one is guaranteed to have time to do everything another day. I completely changed my mindset of how to do life not long after my son’s passing. I realized I could bury myself in grief, farther dampen my family’s way of life, and remain unhappy because of what could have been, or I could flip the script and start pushing for better in my life.
Since I have made that decision, I have had to deal with a lot of adversity. It comes from different people, situations, and directions. Some are valid and worth consideration, but most are just noise trying to keep me down. The enemy wants nothing more than to keep powerful people down. When I have weeks like last week, I used to feel sorry for myself and just wallow in misery. Now I see them as an attack. I see it as a reminder that I am worth fighting for. I have something big and powerful coming and the enemy doesn’t want it to come to fruition. It is almost becoming a badge of honor for me to be attacked, because it means I am worth attacking….
I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes right about now, I know that because I used to be that guy. I hated when people said things like that, I thought it was simply a way to try to sound churchy. Now I see it differently, I see what happens when we fully allow ourselves to dive into the faith and spiritual parts of ourselves.
I am fully aware of the consequences of me taking positive steps for myself, my family, and those around me. I will be attacked, that’s ok, I know I can handle it.
Ephesians 6: 10-20 spell out the full armor of God, and how to use it in our lives. I will have it down below for you to read over this week and hopefully; after reading it, you will find a new spirit of persistence within yourself that you may not have known you had before. Have a great week everyone.
The Whole Armor of God
10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. Ephesians 6:1-10 NLT
