Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

~Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV

Have you ever been in a season of prolonged testing, and gotten to the point that it feels like too much and you’ve given up?

Have you ever allowed pressure and exhaustion to lead you to an emotional explosion–an indulgent bad attitude of anger or self-pity? I have.

In retrospect, it is frustrating to see how short the time is from the moment I give up or explode to the moment the test ends. And when it finally does end, the exuberant joy I had been praying for is replaced by regret that either I didn’t finish or my reward was diminished by a bad attitude.

I am not talking about salvation. Salvation isn’t something to earn, but rather, it is a gift that comes by way of the cross. I am talking about fulfilling my purpose–walking in the destiny given to me by the Heavenly Father and receiving His reward for persevering in obedience.

When we give up or give in to childish behavior, God readily forgives us for the asking. But indulging our flesh by relinquishing control over our anger or self-pity is an unlocked door–an engraved invitation to the enemy to come in and steal a portion of God’s intended blessing.

You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by your side forever.

~Psalm 16:11 GW

Beloved, are you tempted to give up or give in? Pray with me…

Father God, this has been a long, hard season. My muscles have grown weary from the battle and the incessant whispers of the enemy. Send Your ministering angels to strengthen me to endure, and put a padlock on my heart, securing my faith, attitude, and determination. Strengthen my resolve to not surrender to the temptation to grumble or retreat. Empower me to stand firm until the end, when my perseverance will be rewarded with my full blessing and wave after wave of the contagious joy of Your pleasure.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Contagious Joy: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved