Endurance and Persistence

As I sat behind this computer over and over again trying to think of the proper words or the proper topic to write about, I could not help but to imagine, “Who will read this?” “What if no one likes what I write about?” But, there is one thing I know for sure. In the world that we live in today, so many women are struggling with feelings of insecurity, broken hearts, broken relationships, difficulty parenting, and balancing work/home life. So this is what matters to me, because I am one of those women, struggling to figure out how to get it right…struggling to figure out how to continue to endure. Dictionary.com defines endurance as: the ability to put up with strain, suffering, or hardship/ the ability to do something difficult for a long time. I have endured so many hardships, struggles, and trials, that I can write a book (Maybe I will J). Most times I sit and ask (sometimes weeping) God, “WHY ME”? But then I finally realized, that all this time I have asking the wrong question. Someone told me, in those difficult times, don’t ask WHY? Instead, ask God “What is that you want me to learn from this?” Huh? Yes, I can see the look on your face now. But if you take a few moments and think about it, it makes sense. We will all continue to face trials and struggles. None of us are exempt from them. But…

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together

for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28 (ESV).

Most times is it hard for us to understand or make sense about our trials and struggles. It is not our responsibility to do so.

“(8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Endurance takes persistence. When I think about endurance, I think about an athlete. I used to be a runner. I want to start running again. In order to get back to long distance running status, I have to build up my endurance. In order to build up I my endurance, I must be persistent. Dictionary.com defines persistence as: the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people. Whether, you are enduring through major illness, death of a loved one, loss of a relationship, divorce, or loss of a job; keep persevering and pushing through.

Let us not become weary in doing well for at the proper time,

we will reap a harvest if we don’t not give up. Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

God can/will heal our broken hearts and wounded spirits. All we have to do is draw near to him.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

So here I am, writing my first post. I will be here every week writing and giving encouragement. Life can be tough. You are not alone. First, God is with you.

He will never leave you, nor forsake you Deuteronomy 31:6b (ESV)

Second, there are other women who have already endured that trial or circumstance. We need each other to make it. We can do this together and with the help of God, we will endure.

I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13(ESV)

Will you join me on this journey of endurance? On this journey we will empower, support, and encourage one another.

I would love to hear your story or if you have any particular topics that you would like to discuss, comment below.

HIS love and MINE,

Shemeca