perseverence

This periwinkle
is literally growing
out of a crack in the concrete
at my Dad's house.
It comes back every year.
Not only does it grow,
but it flourishes.

I think
that living the Christian life
is difficult.
Oh,
it is filled with blessing upon blessing,
but at times it is just plain hard.

The Bible commands us
to do things that go against
our natural human tendencies.
It is hard....
to love your enemies,
to do good to those who despitefully use you,
to return good for evil,
to turn the other cheek.

But we as believers
are called to persevere....
to aggressively take hold of the Christian life.

"Therefore,
having been justified by faith,
we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have access
by faith
into this grace in which we stand,
and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 
And not only that,
but we also glory in tribulations,
 knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance,
character,
and character,
hope."
Romans 5: 1~4

When I saw those periwinkles this morning
 I said, "there is my blog for tonight."
Those flowers grew and bloomed
in spite of dark
harsh
and impossible conditions. 
They found that ray of light
and grew toward it.

Tribulation (suffering for being obedient to God's word)
produces
perseverance (steadfastness)
which builds our
character (Christ - likeness)
which gives us
hope.

And listen to this...
"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."
Romans 5:5

 Friends,
Our hope is in Christ alone.
There is no other hope but Him.