"Perseverance translated literally means: remaining underneath, not throwing off the load, but bearing it. We know much too little in the church today about the peculiar blessing of bearing. Bearing, not shaking off; bearing, but not collapsing either; bearing as Christ bore the cross, remaining underneath, and there beneath it -- to find Christ.., remaining steadfast, remaining strong; not weak acquiescence or surrender, not masochism, but growing stronger under the load." -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, A Testament to Freedom
When we commit to remaining under adversity as Christ remained under His cross, we find ourselves growing stronger and we better yet, we find Jesus. He is found under His cross, carrying it up the hill and if we are too quick to squirt out from under, we miss out on the companionship and intimacy that could be had in remaining where He is, enjoying His company, despite the difficulty required in order to remain there.
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