 We are working our way through a mini-series on strategies for enduring the wilderness wanderings of life, following the example of Caleb who had "a different spirit" in "follow[ing] [God] fully" (Numbers 14:24), even through the 40-year holding pattern he endured. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) STRATEGY 3 — ENDURE WITH PATIENCE Caleb would perhaps suggest to us four strategies for cultivating a different spirit that fully follows God even when the path seems to go in circles. First, evaluate your perspective; second, express your burden in prayer; third, endure with patience.
Hebrews 10:32-36 provides excellent counsel to those of us stuck in a rut and wandering in the wilderness. “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” You need endurance, friend, and endurance is tough, so be “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured”! Jesus loved you through the cross. A question you need to ask yourself is this, “Can you love God and worship God through the wilderness?” I appreciate the counsel of Pastor John Piper to a married pastor who recently asked how to handle the monotony of life. Pastor John referenced 2 Peter 3:4, 8 and responded, “Translated into your situation, Stephen, that means God does not count monotonous repetition the way you do. He has a perfect plan for you and new things, inspiring things, encouraging things, breakthroughs will come in his time. Your patience and your endurance are being tested. Don’t fail the test. Get up. Do what needs to be done every day. The breakthroughs will come at his appointed time.” |
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