God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times. Lamentations 3:22-27 Message

Upon reading this passage, it brought to mind the word ‘persevere’. Upon pulling it up in the dictionary, I found this description: to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.

Is this ability to ‘stick it out’ in the hard times easily taught or caught? I think not. I have found that in the midst of adversity, trials and tribulations, it shakes the very core of my faith. But when I remember how much He loves me and how faithful He has been to me over the years, it causes me to focus on His consistent love and faithfulness. It lifts me from the mire of despair and causes me to shout aloud, “I’m sticking it out with you, Father! You have never failed me and never will!”

I have quietly hoped for miracles and been disappointed time and time again, until I looked over the edge of His arms as He held me afloat in the waves that tried to pull me under. He’s my help in time of trouble and I will trust in Him. The miracle was there, unexpected in it’s manifestation but nonetheless, miraculous.

Jesus said I would have tribulations but that I should be happy in them, He overcame, so I will too. What an example to follow. He loved the Father so much that He trusted Him to carry Him through it all, even unto death. No greater comeback than that!

If extreme pressure creates diamonds, I will wait as He makes me brilliant and wonderfully faceted. I cannot reflect His light until I stick it out through the process.

Much Love,

Sandy G