Dear Friends,
Perseverance through tough times is like the picker of blackberries who, equipping themselves with long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and a pail can harvest the sweet fruit of the blackberry.
It had been a dry, hot year. Many of the leaves were curled and dry. Some of the fruit dried on the vine.
But the humble blackberry persevered finding and creating bits of shade for itself so most of the berries had made their way to maturity and was riper and juicy, ready for harvest.
As the picker maneuvered around the thorns and tangles of vine the bucket filled. The harvest was a success.
You and I, like the picker and the blackberry, must be equipped with the long sleeves and pants legs of prayer and patiently persevere in God’s word. Remembering to keep an eye on the prize of our relationship with God. God who never leaves nor forsakes but offers the succulent berries of peace and love that comes only with our perseverance no matter the circumstance.
Practical Application:
Focus on the Lord not the circumstance. How? by filling your mind and heart with his word. And like any relationship make time for quiet conversations and to listen for that small still voice which comes in our quiet time. Quiet time done consistently is where you will find the peace.
Verses to ponder on:
“Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from my love that is in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:39
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast* because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3 *Steadfast – firmly fixed in place, not subject to change.
Prayer
Dear God Almighty,
Thank you that your love never changes, never gives up, and you are always there. Even when I wander away, you do not. All I need do is turn to you, spend time with you in the conversation of prayer, and continually build our relationship through your words written in the bible. May I remember to fill my mind with your ideas, thoughts, and ways so I too, like the humble blackberry vines, may persevere through circumstances which may drag me down, cloud my mind, and lead me away. Thank you for the black berry bush which perseveres through drought and finds bits of shade where the sweet fruit may mature and provide nourishment. May I look to this marvel of nature so I too will persevere to produce fruit as I mature in Christ.
Amen
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