Romans 8:25 NIV — But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

When I was younger, my family lived in Lancaster, SC for five years. During that time we became as close as family with a couple we affectionately called our aunt and uncle. Uncle Archie and Aunt Helen became like grandparents to my brother and I and we always enjoyed spending time listening and learning from them. One of Uncle Archie’s favorite sayings was “patience and perseverance.” He would say that phrase when we were playing a game, any time my brother and I would attempt a task and it was not proceeding as we had hoped, or when we were in a rush to go or do something. Most of the time when Uncle Archie voiced this phrase, it infuriated me because in reality he was saying “patience and perseverance” to remind me to adjust my attitude. While I was aggravated by the reminder, I also knew he was right.

Today’s featured scripture reminds us to wait with patience. Examine your current walk with Christ. Are you exhibiting patience and perseverance or are you becoming frustrated that the “thing” you have been praying about is seemingly unchanged? 

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for reminding me, even when I don’t want to be reminded, to have patience and perseverance. Give me strength and courage to let go and trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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Romans 8:25 NIV — But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 12:12 NIV — Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Galatians 6:9 NIV — Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

James 1:2-4 NIV — Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

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As we begin our week on patience and perseverance, take time to worship and pray as you listen to Be Still My Soul by Kari Jobe.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

As we end our week of reflecting and refocusing, spend a few moments reading 20 of the Funniest Tweets About New Year’s Resolutions. Enjoy a good laugh and then apply the lessons we have learned together this week. 

Let’s pray. Dear Father, Thank You for doing new things and making a way. As I embark on the remainder of 2025 with Your guidance and help, may I make You proud of the steps I take. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Today, let’s spend some time thinking and setting goals so we will have God-driven, positive results at the end of 2025. Take a moment now to read this article Ten Steps To Setting God-Ordained Goals which is an excerpt from The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

I encourage you to spend time today in prayer and planning. If you don’t have the time to commit to it today, then plan a time for goal setting soon. Take some time alone to sit with God and set goals for the remainder of the year. Keep in mind Proverbs 16:3 — Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I commit to You the remainder of 2025. Lay upon my heart Your goals for me and I will give You all the glory for the results we accomplish together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Matthew 14:29-30 NIV — Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

As you reflected on the first half of 2025, did you discover that perhaps you have lost your focus on Christ? Have you been focusing on the wind around you instead of the eyes of Christ? 

Take some time to imagine being in the boat with Peter when Jesus called him out onto the water. Peter took a bold step out of the boat and onto the water. As long as he was focused on Christ, he was able to walk on water. However, he began to sink the moment he focused on the wind instead of Jesus. Today, let’s refocus our attention. We have spent time looking back at the first half of 2025. Now let’s move forward. Let’s step out of the boat with laser-like focus on Christ. Focused on Him we can move forward in the remainder of 2025 with renewed strength and courage.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to refocus my attention and move out of my boat toward Your path for me the rest of 2025. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Philippians 4:13 MSG — I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

We are more than halfway through 2025. Spend some time reflecting and recalling your thoughts from the beginning of this year. Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Did you choose a word of the year and/or mantra? Have you stuck to those resolutions? Has your word of the year been in the forefront of your mind? 

Most of us lose our resolve from the first weeks of the year as time passes. Let’s not get stuck being down on ourselves if we are not where we wanted to be at this time of year. Instead, let’s reset our mindset and renew our resolve. What steps can you take to make the most of the rest of 2025? What habits can you instate to ensure your resolution/word/mantra stays in the forefront of your mind? One practice I have is to write my word and mantra every morning as I finish listing my five gratitudes for the day. Do you have another practice? We would love to hear from you. If you are reading on Facebook or Instagram, please comment below. If you receive the blog via email, you may email us at: waterwalkers29@gmail.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Renew a right spirit within me. Reset my mindset and strengthen my resolve. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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