It is not fear and anxiety that drive perseverance. It is passion and joy that drive perseverance. Fear and anxiety, on the other hand, drive us nuts.
Many artists who’ve had timeless masterpieces, whether songs, movies, films, painting or sculpture, have died penniless. Their producers realized that these artists would sign on any dotted line if they were given the opportunity to simply record and publish. The success of these artists was not in the amount of money they were making, but in the freedom they had to make their passion and joy known to the rest of the world. Some went as far as committing suicide, if they believed that they were unfairly denied such opportunity. Some go as far as delivering free performances in the subway or on the street or wherever there’s a listening ear or a gazing set of eyes.
God gave us the Spirit that we may persevere and rejoice along the journey of life, regardless of what is thrown at us. It is the work of the Spirit in us that serves us strength to move forward when we see the bushes lit with fire but no smoke or ashes result.
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”” (Romans 8:15)
Love and joy keep us moving. The love of God, the joy of the Lord, our strength that overcome anything that life may throw at us.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)
Love and joy keep us moving. The love of God, the joy of the Lord, our strength that overcome anything that life may throw at us.
Jesus is the well of the living water, the Holy Spirit. 