VATIC Expressions
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
Perseverance
by Cicely V. Wilson
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (NIV)
This scripture has been the embodiment of my present day. As a double Master's recipient with honors from a very prestigious university, five years after graduation I find myself still without full-time work in my field of study. I am grateful for the part-time work that allows me to build my own business, but I had no idea of the trials and tribulations that would face me as I began my journey of transition into a new career. Entry level pay, overqualifications, hours invested in completing online applications, ineligibility for unemployment, declared technically "homeless,” and the list goes on.
What was going on? It was not supposed to be this way or be this hard at all. I spent months doing all I know to do and invested countless hours toward my new future. "Lord, what am I doing wrong?" "Why is NOTHING moving for me?" I began to feel bad for myself, hopeless and helpless. The enemy suggested I was a fool for spending all that time and money to go back to school just to find myself in a worse place than before I began.
The Lord informed me that a new level of my faith walk had begun and the "easy" way of life that I was accustomed to before… would be no more. Why? Because the testing of my faith produces PERSEVERANCE. This new level of faith would be required not for where I've been, but for where He desires to take me. He began to alter my perspective, get me out of my emotions and the focus on my problems, to make me sober and renew my mind, and provoked me to GO ON (persevere). During this process, God established a greater level of trust in Him such as I have never experienced before. Why? Because I was sad and needed it? NO. For the sole purpose that I may be MATURE and COMPLETE... LACKING NOTHING.
What does that mean? Mature and complete? That my success would no longer be based on the work I acquire or lack thereof, credentials I have received, or money accrued in my bank account. Instead, my success would be determined by my ability to TRUST GOD and GO ON unquestionably, no matter what. When I learned to LET GO, not blame myself, or even the economy or the devil, I entered into the REST OF GOD. This is the place of “IT DOESN’T MATTER... GOD IS FOR ME.” This is revelation and peace that comes ONLY from the place of trials, tribulation, and persecution. No short cuts.
Perseverance is a principle TAUGHT AND LEARNED from LIVING. Submitting to the truth that it is God's agenda... not ours. God's timing... not our own. His best interests... not mine. This existence is not blind... it is TRUST... and when you YIELD... you have all that you need to PERSEVERE. One day at a time... GO ON... GO ON... GO ON... enduring until the end.
© 2015 Cicely V. Wilson
August 3, 2015 Marsha at marsha_allen@***.com said:
Perseverance
This was great, thank you so much for sharing!!
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August 3, 2015 Janet at itsjanet8@***.com said:
Great Article
This article encourages and inspires me to faint not. Just endure to the end, you'll be blessed!!!