The Long Road of Perseverance

The long road between the street and the church

 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering,

take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.

You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen 

what the Lord finally brought about. 

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 

James 5:10-11

Perseverance.  Unfortunately I can name all too many situations or projects in which I have failed to persevere.  But that's another post (actually, I hope not.)  Here the writer of the Lord's words is speaking of patience and perseverance in light of suffering.  The believers were going through harsh criticism from without and within.  They were being cheated by the wealthy, suffering want at the hands of their employers.  They were suffering.   Evidently, in light of the verses to follow some were also suffering physically. 

God's Word is replete with examples of those who suffered.  Hebrews 11:35-40  tells of many who suffered, not seeing the results of their faith but believing the God of accomplishment.  God devotes the book of Job to one of the early men of Scripture who by faith believed Him in the midst of indescribable suffering.

Everyday we see living examples of those who persevere through great trial.  My friend Angie lives daily with a debilitating disease that prevents her from walking, from talking, and even from being able to breathe on her own for long periods of time.  Yet her smile is contagious, and if one reads her blog, blessings will be poured out; if you could sit and read her lips as she speaks, you would be blessed beyond measure.  What an example she is to me!

And then there's Mister Jim, a sweet man at our church.  He has lost most of the toes on his left foot to neuropathy, walks almost doubled over with arthritis, and yet he mows the 6 acres at the church faithfully and does anything else he can to contribute.  He, as well, is a great example of those who suffer patiently.

Do you know any wonderful examples of those who persevere in the midst of great trials? I'd love to hear about it, because you are blessed as I am if you do.

Thankful to travel the long road with my great examples,

Gloria