Easter is a time of significant importance in the Christian calendar. I love that Lent and Ramadan have been celebrated side by side for the past few years. Both these events share the same aspect of suffering and perseverence. We spend some time today reflecting on the call to overcome the obstacles and challenges we face.
Don’t quit. That’s it. Just don’t quit.
Whatever you are facing this week, keep going. That may be easier said than done, but the encouragement we read in Romans 5 calls us to persevere.
Paul, writing to a group of believers who he has possibly not met, but who he knows are facing persecution and suffering had some encouragement that I believe we can learn from today. His advice was to rejoice; to find joy in every situation. When we consider our own trials, it can be difficult to see what there is to be joyful about. But Paul reminds the readers of the bigger picture, the foundations of their faith.
They were facing persecution because of their faith. But their faith was in Jesus, who had died and rose again, defeating the grave. Through this victory, they had been justified (made right with God), experiencing grace and been given hope. The joy in suffering led to perseverance, character and hope.
What are you hoping for today?
John Maxwell attributes his success as a leader and an author to his habits. He adopts a ‘Rule of 5’ – 5 non-negotiable daily habits that shape his life. Every day he reads, he files, he thinks, he asks questions, and he writes. That’s why he has published over 70 books and sold over 20 million copies.
If you desire to be a writer, maybe a similar ‘Rule of 5’ would work. But whatever it is that you desire to do, maybe take some time this week to consider what habits would get you there. A keystone habit is one that makes other areas of your life goals more achievable. Maybe this week, find just a few things that would make your future better than the past, and commit to not quit on them.
When we consider our present circumstances and sufferings, it is easy to become disheartened. But let us take encouragement from the early church and the words of Romans 8:28.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
