1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Perseverance is characterised by the ability to achieve something despite difficulties and obstacles that stand in our way. It takes both grit and determination, and is not easily accomplished. In fact, it reveals the depth of our convictions and the lengths to which we persist.
The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ encounter with the devil in the wilderness reveal perseverance is not simply grim determination. It requires clarity of thought in finding ways to press on and avoid capitulating early. Jesus used scripture to counter Satan’s craftily composed temptations (Matthew 4). The core of our perseverance as disciples lies in the reality of the depth to which we are loved by God. Great news here – no matter where we find ourselves, God never gives up on us. We are invited to build our faith muscle by persevering through challenges.
A friend introduced me to the concept of the learning zone. This is made up of a comfort zone, a learning zone and a panic zone. The comfort zone is where we most naturally reside. Here we apply our knowledge and skills and nothing tests us. However, to grow we need to step beyond the familiar and this will feel uncomfortable, as we will not know if we can navigate this sphere. Push too far and too fast and we enter the panic zone. Here we learn nothing because we are overwhelmed by fear. Jesus knew something of his roots, experienced the love and devotion of his parents and experienced the presence of God speaking at his baptism. Then he sets out into the learning zone to discover how he related to God beyond the familiar landscape of his childhood.
Most of us have a reluctance to step beyond the comfort zone; yet, we can only ever know more of God as we entrust ourselves to the learning zone. Here we discover more about both God and ourselves. Here we develop the skills we need to live an active and effective Christian life on earth and explore the supernatural character of our eternal God.
QUESTION: How do you plan to step into the learning zone in your faith?
PRAYER: I don’t want to stagnate but am drawn to remain in the comfort zone. Help me to trust you and step forward in faith.

Released on 24 Feb 2020