Perseverance

Life has many ups and downs. There are times when we all feel like giving up, but it is at those times that it is important to keep going - to persevere no matter how difficult it may be.

We are in the period of Lent when we remember Jesu’s sufferings on the cross. It is interesting to note that a few months before his crucifixion it was said of him, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem”. Luke 9 v 51. His main focus was in fulfilling his God-ordained mission and nothing was going to deter him from accomplishing that task. During those ’few months’ - he stayed at Zacchaeus house; healed blind Bartimaeus; raised Lazarus from the dead; told some of his best loved parables like The Good Samaritan, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son. Yet his focus was clear, – “We are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of man will be fulfilled. He will be turned over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again”. Luke 18 v 31 – 33. Jesus clearly understood what was ahead for him. He never tried to shirk his responsibility and because He loved us so much he willingly allowed himself to be crucified. Even when his closest disciples ran away he still persevered to the very end.

As Holy Week approaches, let us be even more thankful for the great sacrifice that Jesus made. He did it so that our own rebellion and selfishness could be forgiven.

Remember whatever you are facing, He said, ”I will be with you always”. That promise is for you and me, but we have a choice. We can believe Him or push him away and go it alone. Personally, in my life sometimes I have believed and at other times I’ve pushed him away. The lesson I have learned is that things turn out much better when I follow Him.

May you all know His great love surrounding you and your family during the Easter season.