Persevering Mile After Mile
Persevering Mile After Mile
Like My Old Car
By: May Patterson
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will
reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Statistics show one of the best places to get your car stolen is at a McDonald’s near an interstate. Easy exits and high traffic volume seems to attract thieves. The second runner up is probably Waffle House – it’s a great all night venue for grand theft auto.
I tried both locations, but they just didn’t work.
I kept the same Toyota Sequoia with dents and scratches, for well over a decade. We maintained the car and nothing major went out – except, of course, for the bells and whistles.
The leather seats were scarred with expanding cracks, the yellowed ceiling material sagged and the stereo only held one cassette tape that would play, but would not eject. That meant we listened to the same songs for over 10 years (you guessed it, my husband is an accountant).
On and on it went like the Energizer bunny, even after 200,000 miles. It went where it needed to. It wasn’t flashy or popular with the family, or thieves, or anyone – but my husband.
Through the years I remained optimistic, thinking eventually it will go – possibly in my lifetime. I often left it unlocked with keys in the ignition, hoping. I liked to fantasize about it getting stolen or a bulldozer backing into it in the mall parking lot (yes, I struggle with a bad attitude).
And then finally, I could get a shiny new car. I admit I didn’t appreciate the old one.
Every time we decided to replace the Toyota, one of our children needed a car, and so I kept on driving it – with frustration. A little auto theft or failure would have instantly resolved the entire dilemma.
On and on it went, for 12 years. I began to wonder what would that translate to in human years…a lifetime?
It’s kind of like some Christians, don’t you think? Some are old; some are not so flashy or popular, or noticed except by God. They travel with Him. We see them going where they need to go and doing what they need to do. They consistently perform their glorious purpose.
Nothing can steal them away. They are fueled by something greater, so they never run out of gas or burn out. It’s as if their power comes from another place, and indeed it does. They run to glorify God, mile after mile, year after year, and destination after destination.
They may not be beautiful, but their love and perseverance is. They are greatly valued in God’s sight and hopefully in ours, as the body of Christ. Persevering is a mark of the Spirit-powered life.
Like my old car, may we continue to run mile after mile to glorify God. And may we appreciate and encourage others along the road, who are doing the same.
Prayer:
Lord, you love all your children no matter how we look, or how old or broken we are. Thank you for your enduring love. We love you, too. Help us to persevere in loving others like you do – never seeing the spots or wrinkles – but only the joy and worth. You are the God who never quits; help us not to quit either. Enable us to keep on going and going down the glorious road you have called us to take.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What encourages you to persevere in glorifying God in everyday life? Where or how has God called you to serve?
- Who has God placed around you that you could encourage to persevere?
Treasure Hunt: (for further study – perseverance)
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36
“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11-12
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Faith In Action:
This week, persevere first in daily prayer and worship and secondly, as you serve. Find at least one person near you to encourage as they glorify the Lord.
Author~ May Patterson
May Patterson, author of the book A Time to Seek, began writing in response to God’s grace. And by His grace, she has written magazine articles, Bible studies, and spoken at a variety of events. Her desire is to help people draw closer to God. May is married to her dear friend Mike and they have three grown children. She has a great love for the outdoors, travel and blogging at http://maypatterson.tumblr.com
Leave a Reply