Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” - Catherine of Siena 

There is much truth in coming to understand that perseverance is a great virtue. Too many people in our modern world expect to be granted success without much 'long-suffering' or tenacity. 

Paul wrote a lot about endurance and perseverance:

"Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses" - 2 Corinthians 6:4

"...being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience." - Colossians 1:11

As you continue to walk in the ways of Jesus, may you be blessed with great courage and endurance.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Leave it all to Him

"He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely." - Catherine of Siena

Leaving the real work to the Lord is something we all battle with. We sweat, we strive, we plan and we try to work things out by ourselves. However, all the time, the Spirit of God is wanting to work in our lives and to show us that God cares abundantly.

What do you need to 'leave' to God?

What in my heart must I let go of?

Matthew 8:13 - Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.”

"You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love." - Catherine of Siena

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Enduring

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” - St. Catherine of Siena 

 

Revelation 14:12 - "Let this encourage God’s people to endure patiently every trial and persecution, for they are his saints who remain firm to the end in obedience to his commands and trust in Jesus.”

 

So having heard these two 'voices' today, what are you having to endure this week? Remember that when we are joined together with Christ, God will help us endure. The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness and gives us the ability to persevere.

 

Praying for your Endurance today.

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3 

Short prayer to INSPIRE

This has to be one of the shorter prayers out there, but the more I pray it, the more it speaks to me. If you are struggling in your prayer life then why don't you start with these words and see how God uses the prayer to bless you.

"Holy Spirit, come into my heart, and in your power, draw my heart to you." - Catherine of Siena

As you read this prayer it can be tempting to think "is that all?!" 

That was my first reaction to be honest. However, I kicked myself for being proud and so I looked at the prayer again. The second and third times I prayed Catherine's prayer it began to impact my heart. Why don't you try it too?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Catherine of Siena

Catherine of Siena is known as one of the mystics who shaped Christianity in the 14th century. She was deeply marked by the love of Christ and so this theme of 'LOVE' comes up many times in her writings. It got me thinking about how ours have been shaped by God's grace and mercy - do we show signs of being changed by God's love?

Here are a few of her thoughts on LOVE:

"You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love." Dialogue 165

"Love transforms one into what one loves." Dialogue 60

"One who knows more, loves more." Dialogue 66

"We trust and believe in what we love."  Dialogue 8

"There will be love in proportion to faith and faith in proportion to love."  Letter T344

May you be marked by the love of Jesus today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3