Sometimes, persevering as a Christian may involve the idea of managing to see what is sometimes called “the bigger picture”.
The persecutions, the trials that Paul endured, and the afflictions he suffered, were themselves, bringing a more exceeding and eternal glory and he was able to see the victory, the reward that would follow.
This may have been his great secret in handling the high levels of persecution that he went through.
Perhaps he was able to view the contempt shown to him, the beatings and the imprisonment, not so much as hindrances but even as the very things which kept him all the more fitted for Christ‘s purposes. The things which kept his nature close to God
He also saw the affliction as being both light and short lived. This is a rare way for men to think.
That is to say, they will very often consider even a relatively short time of hardship or trouble to be long enough. Several years or so, without a resolve (as can happen) to a life challenge is viewed as an eternity. But although Paul‘s hardships lasted many years, and likely continued to his death, still he sees them as being just for a moment because he was able to see them in the light of eternity and to measure the time against that.
He measured the seen against the unseen and recognised its fleeting nature. We as God's children need to see issues of life in this light and learn to focus less on the challenges; but rather on God's power that is bigger than the problem and also focus on His promises that will always stand the test of time.
Apostle Darlenys is doing something beautiful over there in Venezuela, her perseverance as a christian living in Venezuela has offered a rare way of thinking, earlier today i read her recent post about buliding our country which inspired me.
Steemchurch isn't just change lives, we are looking at a bigger picture
Changing Nations Through Its People
The Government don't make a country, its people does
The Parishioners in venezuela are fighting in the crusade for freedom to build a better country, we are the future of the country we live in.
Despite the corrupt and bad leadership, it's entirely up to us to steer the future of our nations.
We are grateful to for bringing us together, he is a leader worthy of the respect and admiration.