The Glorious Result

When it comes to our spiritual lives a lot of us are all-or-nothing people. If we aren't automatically perfect, we just give up. When Christlike virtues like patience and kindness seem hard to come by, we abandon our character development and decide holiness is for those better equipped. But when we give up, we're giving up on our part of the partnership. Perseverance is one of our responsibilities in this process of being changed. And what a change it will be! God uses the pressure of trials to perfect our lives. He fashions facets in humble stone to reflect his glory. Of course, there will still be areas in our lives where we struggle. There will still be battles, and we'll lose a few now and then. But if we're willing to persevere in the process, one day-with Christ beside us-we'll win the war. That why I can tell you: Persevere, my friend! Persevere. Do you want more of God? Then don't settle for anything less. Do you want to be more like Jesus? Then persevere-press in, press on, press through! And as you do, I promise you, you will be changed. Changed as Mary and Martha were changed. (From:Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)