Persist. Persevere. Prevail.

"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:4

Everyday we encounter people who have just 'had enough'.  As a parent, I understand this feeling much better than before I was a father.  There are days when I think I'm going to drop down dead if I lift another finger.  Exhaustion can drain our physical bodies to the point that our emotions and rationale seem to be equally depleted.

Encouraging and building into others is hard work, and even harder when we are under duress and pressure from the world's expectations.  There are days when we are so exhausted and so tired that we cannot muster any more strength.

As I read this scripture in context (vs 2-7), I am reminded of the tragedy that many of us face, the tragedy of giving in too soon.  Perhaps you are feeling like that today and believe that you've reached the end of an ever-shortening rope.

I am also reminded of the hope and encouragement that we have in GOD - hear this Word - GOD gives generously to all - without finding fault.  What does He give? Wisdom.

Wisdom tells us that there is hope when things seem hopeless.  Wisdom tells us that in GOD we can overcome when situations tell us that we can't.  Romans 12 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds - in other words - ask GOD for His Wisdom, because ours isn't enough.

Unfortunately, we often only seek GOD's Wisdom when we've exhausted our own and now are totally exhausted.  But that's okay because GOD gives generously without finding fault!  He doesn't say, 'Well, you waited this long, so I'll only give you a little!"  No - He doesn't!  Print this next line out and put it on your fridge!
 

GOD gives generously of His wisdom, without finding fault.

Now, here's the beauty in GOD's wisdom - His counsel comes from His Council.  We believe that GOD is a Trinitarian GOD - ie: GOD the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  That means when you come to GOD for His counsel, you get the wisdom of The Three

    •    The One who created you, your life and everything around you.
    •    The One who lived alongside us and knows the 'reality' of what you're facing.
    •    The One who empowers you to overcome all that this world has become.

I encourage you to persevere, not because you have to, but because your GOD compels you to! Because you know that those who persevere are strengthened and matured.  Isaiah wrote

"Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young [people] stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint."

May you find your strength in Christ.  May you find your hope in the Grace that He offers you to sustain and persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; and to continue steadfastly.