Historic Molly Butler Lodge and Restaurant is in Greer, Arizona, USA. At 8,356 feet in elevation, it's a refreshing retreat from the ferocious Arizona heat. Established in 1910 by pioneer Molly Butler in the wilds of the White Mountains, its guest book records patronage by long-ago famous people such as author Zane Grey and Presidents Herbert Hoover and Teddy Roosevelt. President Hoover gifted Molly with the White House Cookbook, from which she got the recipe for Prime Rib Chili, still featured on their menu.

One Sunday, I went there for lunch with the Greer Chapel pastor and his wife. The restaurant is set on the side of a hill, so there are many steps to get up to the dining room. As we got out of the car, I noticed a small girl, about two years old, holding onto her daddy's huge hand as she laboriously climbed those steps. Her legs were about the same length as the space between the steps. Her daddy patiently watched and helped as she stretched high to reach each step. She didn't ask to be picked up, but persevered till she reached the top. I felt like applauding!

I was impressed by that little girl's persistence. How often do we maintain that attitude toward tasks that we are doing, or, especially, towards living our Christian lives?

James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (ESV)

Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (ESV)

2 Thessalonians 3:13 – As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. (ESV)

Struggling with this? Here's the answer:

1 Chronicles 16:11 – Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (ESV)

In The Faith to Persevere, Oswald Chambers states:

Perseverance means more than endurance — more than simply holding on until the end. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, but our Lord continues to stretch and strain, and every once in a while the saint says, "I can't take any more." Yet God pays no attention; He goes on stretching until His purpose is in sight, and then He lets the arrow fly. Entrust yourself to God's hands. Is there something in your life for which you need perseverance right now? Maintain your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the perseverance of faith. Proclaim as Job did, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

Prayer: Lord, sometimes, we feel like we're being stretched too far! Help us to focus on Your purpose for our lives and to persevere to the end. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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