Scars of Perseverance

If you have not read Erwin McManus' book Uprising, then please, go get it. Seriously, right now. Erwin is a pastor in L.A. who consistently shares God's truths in powerful ways. He is the pastor of a church called Mosaic that meets in a building on the weekends that serves as a nightclub during the week. Tonight a friend called me to be reminded of the title of this book that I said would change her life. I actually said if I could only read one author's books for the rest of my life I would choose his.

Interestingly enough, this book was a huge part of Kevin and I's "dates." We did not live in the same city, so for about 3 or 4 months we talked for at least 3 hours almost every night. And I read him this book...rather dramatically I might add. I do tend to get a little excited. I would read parts I was excited about, then we would talk about it for hours. Then one day I surprised him by sending it to him in the mail so we were both able to read it at the same time. It was awesome. I still remember the adrenaline of those nights growing more in love with one another by growing more and more in love with God. I rarely slept, but I was always smiling.

So after my friend called tonight, I was encouraged to pick the book back up. And I am now in the process of reading it again. Tonight I just want to share one page that is so good it made me laugh out loud while I was reading it to Kevin. He and I have talked a lot lately about doing the work God specifically designed us to do, that which we are truly passionate about. And in the midst of those conversations we have been convicted by the fact that God has us where He wants us, and we should be doing exactly what we're doing right now, with wholly devoted hearts. The biggest lesson we are learning is that life is in the process. Dreams are in the days. It's not like you wait and wait, and work and work at something, then one day arrive at a place where all your dreams are fulfilled. Certainly not here on Earth. Instead you live and live and live, trusting God and serving Him every day, with every gift you have. Over and over again. And He will do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine with that. With your faithfulness. So here is the page from Uprising. Keep working, keep loving, keep living, keep serving. Persevere...even when it hurts. Then surrender the scars...

How can you be faithful with the tasks entrusted to you today?