It was early this morning, the kind of early where the day is just beginning to stretch and yawn. I had my routine down – breathwork, stretches, a little physical activity to wake the body and mind. Next on the list was my time with the Word, a moment to center myself on what truly matters. Today’s verse, Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” as I reflected on it, reminded me of the need to persevere in faith, no matter the challenges, and it settled deep within me.
The Reluctance and the Resolve
Then came the walk. It’s a part of my morning that I’ve grown to cherish, a time for prayer and further reflection. But as I was about to head out, I saw it – rain. Not a downpour, just a persistent, gentle rain. My initial thought was to turn back, to stay inside where it was warm and dry. A little voice whispered that it wasn’t worth the discomfort, the potential for getting wet, maybe even ruining my phone.
But something shifted. I remembered other times when a slight hurdle had caused me to abandon my intentions. And I remembered the subtle regret that followed, the missed opportunity for connection, for processing, for simply being present. So, I went back inside, grabbed a light jacket, and headed out anyway.
Life’s Little “Rains” and Our Faith Journey
And I’m so glad I did. The rain wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. There was a freshness in the air, a quiet stillness that felt conducive to reflection. It struck me then, how often life throws us these little “rains” – inconveniences, discomforts, moments where the easy path is to turn back.
These “rains” can take many forms in our faith journey and personal lives. Maybe it’s a challenging relationship that feels too difficult to navigate. Perhaps it’s a nagging doubt that makes us question our beliefs. It could be a setback in our personal growth, a moment of discouragement that threatens to derail our progress. Or maybe it’s just the weariness of the daily grind, the temptation to skip our time with God because we feel too tired or too busy.
The Importance of Learning to Persevere
Just like the decision to walk despite the rain, perseverance in our spiritual walk often requires us to push through these moments of resistance. The Bible is full of examples of individuals who faced significant obstacles and persevered in their faith. Consider the Apostle Paul himself, imprisoned yet writing joyful letters, his focus on Christ unwavering. His life was marked by hardship, yet he pressed on, his eyes fixed on the eternal gain.
James encourages us, “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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4, NIV). These trials, these “rains” of life, are not meant to break us, but to refine us, to strengthen our faith and build our resilience.
Finding Strength in the Storms
There will be times when the rain feels heavier, when the storms of life rage around us. In those moments, it can be tempting to seek shelter, to give up on the path we’re on. But it’s in those very times that we need to remember why we started, what our ultimate hope is. It’s a reminder to draw strength from our relationship with God, who promises to be with us through every storm.
Unexpected Blessings when You Persevere
Pushing through the rain, whether literal or metaphorical, often yields unexpected blessings. For me this morning, it was a quiet walk filled with meaningful prayer. In our faith, it might be a deeper understanding of God’s Word, a stronger connection with Him in prayer, or a newfound resilience in the face of adversity.
So, whatever “rain” you might be facing today, I encourage you to find the strength to push through. Don’t let the discomfort or the initial resistance cause you to turn back from what you know is important. Embrace the challenge, knowing that on the other side, there is often growth, deeper understanding, and the quiet satisfaction of having persevered. Just as I almost missed the peacefulness of my rainy walk, we don’t want to miss the blessings that await us when we choose to keep moving forward in our faith and life.
As you reflect on overcoming challenges, you might find it helpful to read about Transforming Struggles into Strength, where we explore how our difficulties can become sources of growth. Additionally, understanding the importance of inner fortitude can equip you to persevere; our article on Renewing the Mind: Overcoming Inner Darkness offers insights into cultivating mental resilience. Finally, if you’re seeking encouragement during difficult times, you may find solace in Finding Strength in Trials: A Devotional, which offers reflections on leaning on God’s grace.
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Last modified: March 11, 2025
