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.

As I reflect on all the times Uncle Archie reminded me as a young child to have patience and perseverance, I now realize he was being a Christian witness for me. Although I cannot be certain, I feel he probably learned the lesson of patience and perseverance over the years when he was bearing trials of his own. 

As we finish our week on patience and perseverance, take a few moments to read The Impatient Farmer and Shake It Off & Step Up!

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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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.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines perseverance as continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. By definition, perseverance is often difficult. Recall times you have had to persevere? Was the outcome what you had hoped or dreamed? You and I are certain to face trials and tribulations in the future. We must approach difficulties with patience and perseverance so we do not grow weary. Spend some time brainstorming ways you can strengthen your habits of patience and perseverance. Read this article titled How To Be More Patient: 7 ways to cultivate patience.

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

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of patient is bearing pains or trials calmly without complaint. OUCH! Scripture calls each of us to be patient in affliction yet I cannot say I always undergo trials calmly and without complaint. Can you? 

As I prepared for the writing this week, I realized the only way I am able to begin to have Christ-like patience is to be “faithful in prayer.” I am currently in a season of being hopeful and patient as God shows off in the healing of a loved one. I wear a silicone bracelet on my wrist as a visible reminder to myself. By doing this, I am more consistent with being in constant prayer. Everytime my eye catches the bright color on my wrist I whisper the name of my loved one in prayer. 

What pains or trials are you currently bearing? Are you doing so without complaint? Are you being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer?” What area can you improve and how will you do so?

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.

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.

#biblegateway 

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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.

#biblegateway 

#youversion

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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