Flickr Photo Credit - Kate Ausburn

{Part 1 :: Click Here}
{Part 2 :: Click Here}

Lucky for me, perseverance is contagious too. And Life Giving Words are ready whenever I need them. They say:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before Him He endured the cross scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

He smiles at me, {do you picture that too?} and reminds me that the only way to the completion and lacking nothing (James 1:4) is to fix my eyes on Him.  He has mastered perseverance.  He has finished the race.  He is complete.  He lacks nothing. Starbucks may fill my cup, {and does so often}  but He fills my soul with java from His Word.

It also helps to have a few cheerleaders around you. People who remind you were to go when you need a Grande sized dose of Perseverance.  These are the friends who join you at Starbucks for people watching. They may even buy your coffee. But somewhere along the way, they share the space and encouragement for your heart as well.  Notice in Hebrews that the pronouns are WE, US and OUR.  I promise not to break out into Friends are Friends Forever but, it is important to have a support system, a friend, or a tribe to run with you.

For those of you who like the short and sweet version from this 3 part series here it is:

Perseverance is a work.  It is needed when you are sitting smack in the middle of a big puddle and quitting is the best option. You will need to throw off the desire to escape, it will try to drag you down. God’s Word is the best soul Java you and I can pour out.  And when all that seems to get you just to the survival point, ask God to bring others into your life who will spur you on to run with perseverance. And remember, the race is not for the faint of heart.  It is a marathon not a sprint.  Fix those eyes. Let’ run together.

So, who runs the race with you?  What verses have provided you with soul java? Are you in need of prayer?  Let me know what you are thinking.