Perseverance.

This is our word for the year. And oh, what a word it has already proven to be in our life!

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. James 1: 2-3

In context, perseverance also means: patience, steadfastness, endurance, faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. I like that last one.

Our family is scrambling to prepare for the mission field. Davao, Philippines to be exact. In only five short months we need to raise enough funds to get our journey started and support our family on a monthly basis. Not an easy task. In fact, in our power, it is down right impossible. It’s a God sized task. And that’s the way it should be.

But with any God-size task and any work that glorifies the Lord, the enemy tries everything in his power to unravel his arch enemies plans. The enemy throws his best curve balls, plots his sneak attacks, and plants his seeds of doubt in the faithful servants of the Lord.

So… what do we do? We push through. We pray like we’ve never prayed. We seek and gain the wisdom of the Father and we fight back… we persevere.

And along the way, we continue to count the blessings to help us remember that our perseverance isn’t for naught.

Continuing the Count {181-193}

A new year with new beginnings
Clear direction given in a God-ordained calling
forgiveness from family hurt by words that were never meant to leave such a sting
A Grandmother willing to be available to watch the grandkids in this crazy time of support raising
An ugly fight that had a beautiful ending
Long car rides that give way to meaningful and deep conversation
A working mini vacation that helped give fresh life to a husband and wife
No more diapers for a four year old little by – finally
Older children that can help run a home when mom is down and out
Chocolate given by a husband because we all know that chocolate makes everything that much better
A wonderful group of prayer and advisory partners to support us along our journey
The book of James and the awesome Truths I am finding hidden throughout
Fellowship time with my beautiful Church family every Sunday at our potluck lunches

What does perseverance look like to you?

Linking up today with: Playdates with God,  Multitude Monday,The Beauty in His Grip, Graceful, Thankful Thursday