GOD'S CLASSROOM

Who would think that making lasagna could be God’s classroom for another life lesson. All my ingredients were gathered except for two different kinds of cheese that I had frozen and placed in the kitchen refrigerator/freezer. So, after removing almost everything from the freezer side and not finding either cheese, I was perplexed and wondered if I had remembered correctly.

The other option was the garage refrigerator which also has a side freezer. After removing everything and then replacing it all, it also yielded zero results. Perplexed, I stood before the opened door with cold air escaping into the hot garage. Second-guessing myself, I questioned if I had been mistaken. Had I used the cheese for something else and had forgotten. But then, I thought, No, I am certain that I had put the cheese in the house refrigerator/freezer, because clearly it is not in the garage?

Miffed and about to give up, I heard that still small voice speak into my spirit, “Persistence yields results.” Aggravated, I did not want to go through the same process of emptying the kitchen refrigerator/freezer to find cheese. But I have learned that when the Holy Spirit gives you words of wisdom, it is best to heed them.  

Returning to the kitchen, I methodically removed the food from the freezer shelves. Finally, wedged against the back wall of the unit and in-between two items, were both packages of cheese. Not only was I thrilled, but I was relieved that my memory was still intact. Had it not been for the encouragement of God’s Spirit, I would have given up the search and been left with the troubling question, “What’s wrong with my memory?”

So often in life we become discouraged and want to give up, because it is easier to give up and give into defeat then to be persistent in achieving our goal. Unfortunately, when we give up, there is always a nagging lingering thought, “What if I hadn’t given up?” This seemingly unimportant event would not have been the end of the world. However, a valuable lesson would not have been learned.

God’s nudging to be persistent caused me to search the accurate meaning of persistence. The result was that persistence demands a positive resolution to an immediate need. It is a tireless attitude to achieve a desired resolution in a short period of time and requires an unflinching resolve with staying power, purposefulness, patience, endurance, application, diligence, and dedication to complete the task.

The close relative to persistence is perseverance, which maintains the same energy but for an extended time. It requires maintaining tenacity, determination and resolve to achieve a desired end-result no matter the length of time. Medical discoveries require dedication and perseverance in finding answers and often require a lifetime of research requiring unyielding perseverance and dedication. Perseverance is generally related to long term goals such as learning God’s Word, completing a college education, practicing an instrument until you are proficient enough to create beautiful music, etc.

What does the Word of God say about persistence?

·      “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 ESV)

·      “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16 ESV)

·      “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

·      “And endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:4 ESV)

·      “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 ESV)

·      “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast.” (James 5:11 ESV)

·      “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4 ESV)

·      “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

·      “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:3 ESV)

·      “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” Chronicles 15:7 ESV)

Did you notice a recurring theme of the word steadfastness? What does it mean to be steadfast? The New Oxford American Dictionary defines steadfast as being firm, determined, resolute, steady, single-minded, unchanging, unwavering, and unyielding. With a single-minded determination, I was going to find those packages of cheese.

God’s Word makes it very clear that endurance (withstanding a difficult process), steadfastness, and persistence are often an exercise in developing faith and our willingness not to give up when circumstances and events are challenging. We are assured that if we are steadfast and unwavering in the testing of our faith, that we will receive a blessing. It may not always be the result that we had wanted or expected, but if we remain teachable and don’t waver, we will learn a valuable lesson in trusting God.

Our heavenly Father is always ready to teach and help us learn more about ourselves and our relationship with Him. For “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way” (Psalm 25:9). What had appeared as an insignificant moment in my life became a teachable moment in realizing that no matter the challenge, persistence and steadfastness are important in maintaining faith and trust in our sovereign God who knows us well. For it is in the testing of our faith that produces steadfastness (James 1:3 ESV). And through that testing, we can then face other challenges with grace and endurance.

PRAYER: FATHER, help me to always be prayerful and teachable by listening for Your voice of wisdom and guidance. Help me to be persistent, to persevere, and remain steadfast in those things that You call me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Picture courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pidxabay