Have you ever met someone full of potential and stagnant?
Or a person who does a lot of work but is miserable doing so?
If I’m honest, I have fallen into both of these categories. If I’m more honest, I tend to have a lot of passion and sporadic mountain-size moments of perseverance. In other words, my passion only tends to carry me as long as the mission at hand is “sparking my joy.” Has anyone else found themselves here?
Yet, in the last few months the Lord has been challenging me on this….
Is my passion easily squandered when obstacles arise?
Passion is defined as a strong, unstoppable emotion. Perseverance, however, is the persistence to keep going despite the obstacles at hand. The Lord began to show me that it is not enough to have passion, talent, and inner drive. In fact, talent alone and “wanting something so bad” never led to pure success. It was one’s ability to stay the course and adapt that makes one successful. Most celebrities are where they are today because they were able to rise above disappointments and rejections and do what they knew they were called to do. Simply said....
We must marry our passion to perseverance.
In other words, we must make a choice to do what God’s calling us to do, even when opposition comes. Certainly, we know that on the road to great victory will be a battle. Is there any victory without a battle?
Jesus being tempted by the devil.
Joseph being sold into slavery after learning his dream.
The Israelites facing the wrath of pharaoh before crossing the Red Sea.
Noah needing to build a boat despite those who those who thought he was foolish to do so.
Paul and the disciples facing persecution to spread the message of the Gospel.
All perfect examples of passion and perseverance.
All perfect examples of making a choice to not throw in the towel when defeat seemed imminent. All examples of God’s sovereignty reigning supreme.
Friends, we must remember the God that we serve AND recognize that we live in an imperfect world. This means we will face trials, frustrations, and even pain while living out our calling. I believe this is why they call what Jesus did the “Passion of Christ.” True passion requires you to withstand even the pain that accompanies. True passion allows us to see past the current situation into the bigger picture. True passion requires persistence.
And if we really want to see God move in our lives, we BETTER add prayer to it as well. Without prayer, we will be riding on our own talents, abilities, and willpower. Eventually, we will burn out and will need the Lord to truly breathe on “our vision.”
Passion + Perseverance + Prayer= Victory
Over the last few months, this equation has come alive for us in our lives more than ever. We have realized in planting our new church, Enlighten Church, that our talents and charm alone will not be what helps us. Instead, its our ability to bounce back when things don’t go as planned and dedication to prayer that we have found is shifting the atmosphere of our lives and ministry.
Today, I ask you to consider your passion in life? What is that thing that you would do for free? Now, ask yourself, “Am I willing to bleed for this?” Are you willing to keep going at the thought of others not believing in your dream? Are you willing to pray over your passion with all your heart for direction?
Choose perseverance. Seek the Lord for your purpose. Follow that with passion. Prayer like your life depends on it!
Victory Verse
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10
For more on living a life of complete victory, follow us on Facebook and grab your copy of the Victory Walk: A 21 Day Devotional.
If this ministry has been a blessing to you, I invite you to learn more about and support our upcoming church launch by giving at
www.enlightenchurch.org/donate . We thank you in advance for helping us to share God's love to our community.
