PERSEVERE AND KEEP YOUR HOPE IN GOD

Struggles, challenges, and times of severe stress come to all. It can come in all kinds of ways—from a struggling teenager to an urgent trip to the hospital, from a bad doctor’s report to betrayal, from a crisis to a crash in your emotions. No matter what, and no matter how it comes, there is hope in God.

Jesus uses our struggles to develop greater intimacy with him—because in most cases, people will turn to God in times of stress and severe challenges. (See 1 Peter 1:6-9) Time doesn’t heal all wounds—it is when we turn to God and learn to trust Him where we find healing and hope for the future. 

When storms come, they tend to reveal the weak points and strong points in houses—from windows to roofing. Struggles in life also point out the weak and strong points in our personal lives. Faith rises when we sense God’s help in any circumstance. Jesus builds his church or house—the body of Christ—here on earth. We can remain faithful to serving Him as we realize He is helping us and is always faithful—even when people are not. 

The life of the fully committed believer is demonstrated through persevering over the long term, not the short term. We must keep our hope in Jesus Christ and hold firmly to the confidence that He will do what He says He is going to do. “But Christ as son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6 KJV). 

The times of waiting and persevering can be hard—especially when waiting for God to answer a prayer of desperation or longing. If you’re in the “waiting room,” wondering when and if God will answer some prayer you have prayed consistently and faithfully, you can encourage yourself by reading Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 7:7-11 on being persistent and trusting in Him through prayer.

Read Isaiah 64:4 and choose to praise God. Praise God—who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. Talk to God today about how you feel when you wait, resolving that you will trust in Him no matter what! “For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him.” 

Don’t you dare give up. God has greater things planned for you. He is at work in the midst of your family that is lost. He is vindicating you. He has gone before you to make every crooked place straight. He is bringing your prodigal son or daughter home. He is your Redeemer. He is your Healer. He is your provider. He has greater plans for you than you have for yourself. God is not a man that he should lie. Keep your faith and hope in Jesus Christ and persevere. You will be glad you did!

Every situation gives the opportunity for perseverance that builds trust to keep moving forward. Choose to respond to struggles with full confidence in God, that he knows all, sees all, and plans and directs our lives for the good. Choose to move forward, keep on serving God and others in love—not out of guilt or fear—and watch what God will do in and through your life. 

Love, 

Deborah 

BOOKS BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed And Know Your Purpose)….move from drama to destiny, pain to purpose, hurt to healing, and a test to a testimony. God can turn your mess into a powerful message of hope and healing for others.

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…the full account of God raising my husband from death, healing him from two strokes and two open-heart surgeries. This book will increase your faith to take your own leap of faith.

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)….a must read for all!

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.starministriesinc.com and other distributors.

SHIFT HAPPENS (Anthology with co-authors—on Amazon. Click on Dr. Deborah Starczewski)