Desert Journey – Day 15

Most times refreshment comes when I least expect it. Unexpected to me, but not to our Lord. He knows exactly when the time is right. Perseverance lies between our refreshments.

Yesterday, I was blessed to spend the afternoon with two friends. Our time was steeped with the Holy Spirit and we shared and inspired one another. What I thought was going to be a gathering to discuss “work” related items, instead, was filled with graces of affirmation, inspiration and encouragement. Pure refreshment. How the Lord knows what we need!

Jesus and I continue to sit at the well. I am feeling ready to get up and start moving. Jesus wants to stay. “The lesson of perseverance is a difficult one, he says.” For sure, Lord and I am not doing very well in this category. My frustration level frequently reaches the red zone. Some days I feel like the work I am doing is just like pushing a weighted sled uphill. Jesus says, “you push a sled, I carried a cross. Victory awaits at the top.”

I am convicted. Jesus has asked me to push a sled uphill. I forget to see this as a privilege. And I forget to take note of the refreshment he offers. I am sorry, Lord. However hard this sled is to push, it pales in comparison to the endurance of the cross. I lean back and rest my head on the side of the well. I have so much to learn about doing the Lord’s work.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” Hebrews 12:1-3