Favorite Friday: Perseverance

You may have noticed that I didn't post last Friday. I was helping take care of my mom. We found out recently that her cancer has spread to her brain which is, of course, very serious. She recently had surgery and is undergoing treatment, but it is taking its toll. So this week, in honor of my mom, I want to share one of my very favorite things about her and that is perseverance. My mom is an absolutely phenomenal example of perseverance. She has been battling this disease since the late 80's with a sixteen year remission period that unfortunately ended five years ago. I looked up perseverance on Dictionary.com and found two very different definitions:

• 1.steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

• 2.Theology . continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

I would wager when the world thinks about perseverance, they think of definition  number one--persisting in spite of obstacles.

While this type of perseverance is helpful, I believe my mom's perseverance is more closely linked  with definition number two. Despite everything she is continuing in a state of grace. Her perseverance comes from within; it comes from the knowledge that God is in control.  It comes as a gift from God.

“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.” Hebrews 12:1

She could choose to refuse treatment, she could give up, but she continues pressing forward on the path she feels led. She is running the race He has laid out for her and trusting  Him with the outcome.

Mom had and I had a good chat recently. She told me that she  isn't scared, that she knows where she's going when she dies and exactly Who will be calling her home. I heard this song after visiting with her that day.

I pray this peace reigns in your hearts.