Endure or Quit? By Lisa Burkhardt Worley
Are you facing a life roadblock right now?
When experiencing a frustrating delay or impasse, the easiest thing to do is throw up our hands and quit. Who would blame us? But before we walk away from a scenario, we have to ask “Was this a call of God or did we bring this on ourselves?”
As many of you know, I’m in school, and started a new class a week ago, on top of doctoral work. One of the requirements in this class on antisemitism is to produce a ten-fifteen minute presentation on the subject. When praying about this project, a twenty-eight minute documentary unfolded in my mind. Every section. Every detail. It would require some work, but it could be done. I believed it was a direct download from above.
But I’ve faced a few unexpected roadblocks. I have found that many Jewish people do not want to talk about antisemitism, perhaps due to fear, and this is an important part of the documentary. So this morning I am asking myself, “Was this a call of God or was it my idea?” I remembered how the details unfolded and I thought, God wants me to do this so I need to trust him and endure.
Even though I am discouraged, Philippians 4:13 reminds me “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” When the Apostle Paul prayed for the Colossians, he not only prayed for their wisdom and understanding, but he also prayed that they would be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that they might have endurance and patience.”
Job, who we are probably all familiar with, was stricken with health issues and lost his family, but in Hebrews 5 he is called “a man of great endurance.” Job’s life was restored, and James says the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy” (James 5:11).
Are you needing a little extra help to endure?
The Lord God, our provider can impart what is lacking. Romans 15:5 refers to our heavenly Father as “the God who gives endurance and encouragement.” If you need endurance, turn your scenario over to God and ask Him to work on your behalf. You are not in this alone.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 NIV)
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You’re invited to our monthly POP Chat on October 27th at 6:30 p.m. CST where Aurora Ortega Geis will be speaking about “33 Days in the Valley.” If you are in a valley right now, or have been in one in the past, join us for one hour on POP Chat to be encouraged! Debra Camp will provide our worship. Email us at: info@pearlsofpromiseministries.com for the Zoom link.