A Snail's Pace by Dennis Fisher
One of my earliest childhood memories was watching snails in our backyard flower garden. I was fascinated by this little creature with a shell, a slimy little tummy, and tiny eyes that turned like periscopes. But what really seemed unusual was how slowly a snail travels.
How slow does a snail go? One study clocked a snail at 0.00758 miles per hour---or 40 feet in one hour. No wonder we use the phrase 'moving at a snail's pace' to mean slow.
Although a snail does move at a "sluggish" pace, one virtue it does possess is perseverance.
The great 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon wryly observed, "by perseverance the snail
reached the ark."
According to the apostle Paul, perseverance is a key component in Character development. He explained that "tribulation produces perseverance" (Romans 5:3). And upon that building block go
character and hope (verse 4). The original Greek word translated "perseverance" means steadfastness, constancy, and endurance." It was used of believers who endured in their walk of faith despite
many painful trials.
Have set backs slowed you down to a snail's pace? Be encouraged. God doesn't ask for a fast finish. He expects persevering progress.
Romans 5:1-5
1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5. Now Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
David and I continue to persevere, to improve our character, and to have faith and hope in God's plan for us.
"When I desperately want relief from unrelenting reality....
I choose Perseverance." -carol kent
4 comments:
perseverance is a good word to base our life on.
sometimes it's hard, though.
These scriptures in Romans 5 are some I have pondered and reread many times.
Our tribulations can produce perseverance if we choose to allow it. I'm encouraged in your choice to persevere. And what blessings that leads to. As you brought out, good character, yes, an approved condition (Colossians 3:9,10)When we feel this approval by God, it builds up in us a Hope for a secure future. This hope from God never leads to disappointment. According to His promise righteousness is to dwell in all the earth! -2 Pet 3:16. What a grand hope for all creation! Does that not make you Love our Creator all the more? This Love of God makes us want to obey him and follow the example of Christ Jesus, to the very best of our ability.
(2 John 6)
Can you imagine all mankind living in harmony with our Heavenly Father, humbly following his direction, just as Jesus did? May you continue to meditate on the holy scriptures, building a fine foundation for your faith, making your hope sure. Thanks so much for posting these refreshing, faith strengthening scriptures.
I choose perseverance, too. Your collection of meanings of "perseverance" do encourage me. Pedaling and Older Sister also encourage me with their comments.
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