When I was a little girl one of the very
exciting things I did was to watch a spider web, and the spider skillfully
knitting its web. I would go and destroy its web, and watch the spider’s reaction
and this was fun for me. This spider within a minute of loosing its web, will
start to work again, and starts building its new web, its home. This was awe inspiring for me and one day while I was reading
my Bible I stumble at this verse in the Book of Proverbs. “The spider[a] skillfully grasps with its hands and it is in kings’
palaces” Prov 30:28. We learn a lot from smaller insects and for example;
ants can teach about preparation for winter, badgers about wise building;
locusts about cooperation and order; and spiders about their fearlessness and
perseverance; Pro: 30:24-28.
Spiders are very
ingenious in weaving their webs with fineness and exactness such as no art can
pretend to come very close to its skill. They take hold with their hands and
spin a fine thread out of their own bowels with a great art; and they are found
not only in poor man’s cottages, but also in King’s palaces. Spider silk provides a combination of
lightness, strength and elasticity that is superior to that of
synthetic materials, and spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants to see if
these can be used as silk factories. As a result of their wide range of
behaviors, spiders have become common symbols in art and mythology
symbolizing various combinations of patience, cruelty and creative powers.1
What is perseverance?
- Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, endurance.
- Perseverance is being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaint.
- Perseverance is trying again and again.
- Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.
None of us wants trials
and tribulations as part of life in this planet earth but early Christians
thought that suffering was part of life rather than an exception. Paul tells us
that till we go to glory, we must persevere in our walk with God. This means we
will experience difficulties along the way, which will help us to grow. In
other words the Word of God asks us to rejoice in our sufferings, because God
is using life difficulties and Satan’s attack to build our character more
Christ like. The problems we face in day to day’s life will develop our perseverance, and this will
strengthen our character, deepen our relationship and trust in God, and gives
us a great hope and confidence about the future. Indirectly, Book of Romans
is asking us to thank God for the opportunities to grow, and deal with the
issues of life with God’s strength; (Jam 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-7).
3 And not only that, but we also glory in
tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been
poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”. Rom 5:3-5.
Spiritual growth can be compared to the
growth of a lily in the wilderness. The growth of a
lily seems very fast in spring even though it seems lost in the winter. When it
is refreshed with dew in spring, it starts up to come out, bud and bloom. So it
is with God’s grace in our walk with Him. 5”I will be like the dew
to Israel
Spiritual growth consists most in the
growth of the root, which is out of sight very often. If we plant a lily in our
garden very soon we find its roots spreading up and multitude of bulbs coming
up and spreading from one bulb underneath the surface! So is our spiritual walk
with God, when we persevere like a spider spinning its yarn tirelessly with
fineness and exactness with God’s help we can see the fruit of our labor. The
more one depend on Christ and draws strength, sustenance, sap and virtue from
Him, our relationship with Christ deepens. As we persevere God builds the
characteristic traits of Jesus Christ in us, and we become more like Him; and
His mercies never fails. We will be like the trees of Lebanon
“Who is
wise? Let him understand these things. Who is
prudent? Let him know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9. The right ways of God are always open to whomever who want to walk in; though the path may be hard to walk, He will be beside us, and will be a savor of life unto life and the just will walk in them.
For the ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9. The right ways of God are always open to whomever who want to walk in; though the path may be hard to walk, He will be beside us, and will be a savor of life unto life and the just will walk in them.
Notes:
1. Spider - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider
... for nest-building; ... A few species of
spiders that build webs live ... If there is an
obvious direction in which the spider can retreat to avoid its
own ...
References:
1. Dr. Ed Murphy. The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Nashville: Thomas Nelson
Publishers, 1992, 1996, pgs: 432-436.
2. Jay E. Adams. Critical Stages of
Biblical Counseling, Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started. New
Jersey
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process.Grand
Rapids
4. John F. MacArthur, JR.Wayne Nashville
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling.Grand
Rapids
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR.
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling.
6. The Holy Bible, New King James
Version, Women of Destiny Bible. Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures,
A Spirit Filled Life Bible. Nashville ,
Tennessee
7. Warren W.
Wiersbe. Devotions for confidence & Integrity, Hebrews & John. Colorado , Springs, Colorado
Website References:
1. John 1 NKJV - The Eternal Word - In the beginning was - Bible Gateway
The Eternal
Word. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things
were made through ...
2. 1 John 1 NKJV - What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched - Bible Gateway
What Was
Heard, Seen, and Touched. 1 That which was from the beginning,
which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked
upon, and our ...
3. John 1 New King James Version | The New Bible.com
Bible.com is
all new! Enjoy a free online Bible from You Version. Now, the simple, ad-free
Bible experience loved by millions is available at Bible.com.
5. Perseverance | Define Perseverance at Dictionary.com
dictionary.reference.com/browse/perseverance
noun 1.
steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially
in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 2. Theology ..
6. perseverance: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com
perseverance n. Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action,
a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness
7. Perseverance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseverance
Perseverance may refer to: Perseveration, the repetition of a
response in Psychology Perseverance (solitaire), a card game Perseverance
(born 1977), American fighter ..
8. Hosea 14:9 NIV: Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is ...
biblehub.com/niv/hosea/14-9.htm
New
International Version (© 2011) Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who
is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the
righteous ...
9. Hosea 14:9 "Who is wise? Let him understand these th..." NKJV ...
Hosea 14:9 "Who is
wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent..." Read verse in New
King James Version
10. Hosea 14 | Bible.org - Worlds Largest Bible Study Site
bible.org/seriespage/hosea-14
(12:1-14:9)
Hosea's Plea to Israel
Dear Dr. Liz,
ReplyDeleteThis informative read shows the importance of "perseverance" as Almighty God intended it to be understood.
When we stop to consider the Apostle Paul and the horrible beatings etc., which he endured in taking the Gospel message to the Gentiles, it was sheer "perseverance" that allowed him to "finish" the race. Hallelujah!
The important thing for us to remember as followers of Christ, is that when we "persevere", our focus must remain on Him; for it is His strength which provides the wind beneath our sails; it is His strength which cause us to remain steadfast on that "narrow" path; it is His strength which prevents us from following the ways and enticements of this world.
A stirring write, Dr. Liz. Thank you.
Abundant Blessings!