Perseverance - Numbers 3-16 & Mark 3-6

If you've ever been part of a church, especially as a leader, you will relate well to the passages in Numbers and Mark for the past week or so. As you read the story of Moses and the Israelites in Numbers (particularly chapters 10-16) you feel a bit comforted. Not that these are pleasing stories to read, but rather they help you to understand that people have always been messed up. And Christian leaders, and even God himself, have to move on in spite of people dragging their feet and constantly complaining.

Jesus faced similar trials and told of people's hardness of hearts. The religious leaders constantly questioned Jesus' identity and were often planning His demise (as we see in chapter 3 of Mark). And Jesus tells us ahead of time (although it's still hard to accept) that the seed of the gospel would be spread all over, but there are simply different types of people and different times in people's lives and many will simply not accept the truth or take hold of it. Even with Jesus present, the disciples still feared the storms and in spite of Jesus casting out demons, people still complained about dead pigs.

For those of you out there who are living out your faith. Continue to lead with your life. Don't be discouraged by the complaints or lack of faith of others. Don't give in to the loneliness of the narrow path. Stay strong and be brave. Remember God's command to Joshua in Joshua 1:9,

""...be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord God is with you wherever you go."

AMEN