“…For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” – Romans 12:1-3

Reviewing my memory verses today, this stands out to me. It brings to mind the call of God in my life for this season. The place He has me walking and serving Him. It brings to heart the things that He has set my mind to understand and to accomplish for Him and His glory. It reminds me, again, that these things are too big for me. I cannot do it. My only hope and only help is God. God is the way and I must surrender, remember, and trust Him in it.

At the same time, things of daily life responsibilities that overwhelm me come to heart. Then I remember God’s instruction in my Colossians passage. I am to “…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, FOR THE ATTAINING OF ALL STEADFASTNESS AND PATIENCE….” Colossians 1:9-12 NASB1995

This journey cannot all be done today by me. God could make all happen in an instant, if He wanted. But He has set me on a journey to “attain all steadfastness and patience”. This steadfastness and patience couples with a heart of joyous thanksgiving to the Father, who uses it to qualify us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Attain means “To gain as an objective; achieve. To come to or arrive at, as through movement, growth, or the passage of time. To succeed in a directed effort, process, or progression.”

That says to me that I must be intentional about steadfastness and patience in the journey. I must deliberately choose to be joyful and thankful to God for every opportunity He gives to achieve these needful qualities of the proven character He is building in me.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5 NASB1995

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4 NASB1995

Grant me wisdom for this journey, Father, as You accomplish Your purpose in me. In the working of Your Spirit, grant steadfastness and patience to bear forth perseverance while You build in me the character of Christlikeness with hope, making me perfect and complete in Christ. In Jesus, amen.