Another look back. This time to March 11, 2010. 

After looking back, with the thought in mind about cycles, I began to think that one “cycle” in life that would be of benefit to us, would be the one where we persistently, tenaciously, strive after God.

At times I strive for him deeply, while at other times, my mind and body just do not want to cooperate.

It took many years for me to find out that these cycles are normal, and that if I slow down a bit, rest adequately, and don’t believe all the negative press I give myself, that these cycles pass. As I told a friend recently, “They didn’t come to stay, they came to pass.”

The 2010 writing is as follows;

James 1:4 stopped me in my tracks this morning.

Here’s how it reads; Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I’ve been asking God about some things lately that seem to go on and on and on. When I read this verse, I had to read it again and again and again.

Then I did a little word study, and here’s what I found. There is a “Crafted Prayer” at the end.

The dictionary I used was a Websters, copyright 1989, and the concordance was the NIV Exhaustive Concordance, copyright 1990.

Dictionary definitions; Numbered definitions are from the original Greek.

Perseverance – Being persistent. A continuing in a state of grace, leading to a state of glory.

Persevere – To try hard and continuously in spite of obstacles and difficulties.

5705 – Endurance (patient, great) persistence. Standing firm, endure patiently.

Mature – Having reached a state of full natural development. Relating to a time when development is complete. Involving or arrived at after prolonged, careful thought. 5455 – Perfect, adult, perfection.

Complete – Nothing missing or lacking. Absolute, entire. To perfect, round off. 3908 – Whole.

Lacking – Short of, without. That which is missing or needed. 3309 – Not having everything needed.

Lord, Help me to hold on to You in spite of the obstacles I face, so that I may bring You glory. Help me to patiently stand firm until my development in You is complete. Help me to give careful thought to Your word, until my growth has nothing missing or broken. Help me to be completely whole, having nothing needed.

Let Your glory be shown in me.

Persist with me. Persist with Him.

Nothing missing, nothing broken. Won’t that be glorious?

Amen