We’ve had a busy month around here at Lifeway Women. We’ve been traveling, going to conferences, throwing events, editing Bible studies, designing marketing materials, hosting an online study… You could say we’re a little worn out! We know many of you feel the same way. June can be a little crazy with the start of summer, finishing up school, VBS, vacations, etc. By the time July comes around, you may be ready for school to start again. If you’re in a warmer area, you’re already over the heat of summer.
We just celebrated the halfway point for 2016. Some of you are thinking, “Wow, already!” And some of you are thinking, “We still have half the year left?!” We get it.
That’s why we thought July would be a great time to talk about perseverance. We want to persevere in what God has given us.
One of the words Webster’s uses to define perseverance is “steadfastness.” When we are steadfast, we are fixed, we are firm in our position. This reminds us a little of The Armor of God. We are called to be steadfast in our belief, unwavering in our faith, fixed on God and who He is and our identity in Him. When we are steadfast in these things, we can persevere in whatever happens.
The verse we want to meditate on and memorize this month is found in Romans 12. This chapter in Romans talks about how we should live as believers together. Verses 9-21 are especially poignant as we think about how our relationship with one another and those outside the faith should look. This month, we want to focus on verses 11 and 12.
Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Romans 12:11-12
These verses show us what it looks like to persevere. Be diligent—unwavering in your pursuit of God’s glory. Be intense in spirit. Serve with diligence and fervor. Rejoice in the hope that, one day, the troubles of this world will pass away. God is the conqueror and the healer. Be patient, meanwhile, persevering through it. And all the while, be persistent—persevering—in prayer.
This is our prayer for ourselves and for you this month. We hope you’ll join us in praying for yourself and your loved ones—that you may persevere.
We’d love to see what God is showing you about perseverance on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #PrayersFor2016 to share! We’ve also included some wallpapers and art below. Just right click or tap and hold to download (sometimes it takes a couple of tries).
Instagram image:
Phone Wallpaper:
Facebook Cover Art:
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Computer Wallpaper 1920×1080: 
