In 2020, my dad spoke at a Christian home school graduation, and he wanted to speak to the young graduates on the topic of PERSEVERANCE. The previous year dad had been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gherig’s disease), and the message he wanted to convey to the graduates included truths of both God’s grace, as well as the good and certain end that is promised for those of us who are children of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Dad was (and is) resting in these truths as he perseveres through his own trial with this difficult illness. Dad now receives his meals through a feeding tube, breathes through a trach tube which is connected to a ventilator, and is quickly losing the ability to speak. However, he asked us to share these truths on perseverance with his family and friends. We hope you are encouraged. -amanda criss
P.S. – We will share with dad any comments you would like to leave for him below!
I want you to travel with me back in time to over 100 years ago, to the year 1920. The great event of this year is the invention of the radio. Keep in mind that before the radio was invented, if there were an event such as a baseball game or a football game or a horse race, even though it might have taken place on a Saturday or Sunday, you would not have known the score until the next day when you read it in the paper. So for instance, you would know that the Yankees were playing the Red Socks on Sunday afternoon, but you would not know who won that game until it appeared in the paper on the following day, at the earliest.
Well, along comes the radio, and now you can listen to the game live, as it is being played. However, not everyone has a radio as soon as it is invented; it takes about 14 or 15 years for the radio to filter into the American public. So, in a community or small town, there may be one household that owns a radio. The family sits down, gathers around, and listens to the game while it’s played, then they walk out of their house knowing who won. Since they’ve listened to it live, they don’t have to wait until Monday morning’s paper to find out how the game is going to end. On the other hand, their neighbors are still waiting to read the baseball game’s scores in tomorrow’s paper.
What if the neighbors offer to bet one another on who will win the game? They may not know that one of the families KNOWS how the game will turn out.
My question to you is: What if you are the family that owns the radio? How much are you willing to bet? I contend that, since you KNOW how the game is going to end, you’ll bet it all on the outcome that you know is certain.
The motivation behind my blog post today is the sum of my own life experiences, as well as the life experiences of nearly every one of my many friends. We all face hardships; we each face challenges. Unexpected troubles often come to us as massive intrusions upon our lives. These troubles may come in the form of consequences for something we did or a mistake we made[1], persecutions for living a godly lifestyle[2], or trials we suffer due to living in a fallen, broken world[3].
So, troubles are unavoidable, and we will face them. How can we possibly prepare for these troubles? How can we persevere, with confidence and with certainty?
Let me assure you of these two great Truths:
- The grace of God is sufficient for whatever trouble you may face, and
- God has an end laid out for you – a good end, a magnificent one.
The Grace of God to Help in Time of Need
First, let’s consider God’s grace. God will give you the sufficient grace to meet any trouble that you may face in this life – any trouble. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Regarding this sufficient grace that Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 12, I’d like to tell you one of my favorite stories, the story of John Hus. John Hus was the Czech reformer; he lived 100 years before Martin Luther. In writing, John and Jan Hus challenged some of the churches on their unbiblical teachings, and the church called him to trial. He went before the council, and they ordered him to recant, and he couldn’t, wouldn’t do it, because what he said was true. He could not recant. They sentenced John Hus to be burned at the stake.
The night before he was to be burned the next morning, he was sitting in his prison cell, and in the center of the cell, there was a single candle with a little flickering flame at the top of it. He looked at that little flame, and he thought, “I’m going to be burned at the stake tomorrow,” and so he tried to take his finger and place it over the flame, but he immediately pulled it back. He couldn’t do it. He tried again, and he couldn’t hold his finger over the flame. He thought, “If I can’t do this, with that little bitty flame there, how in the world am I going to bear being burned at the stake tomorrow?”
The next morning, history records that John Hus literally sang psalms and hymns as he was being burned at the stake. The truth not to be missed here is that, the night before in that prison cell, he didn’t need God’s grace to hold his finger over that flame. But the next morning, when he was being burned at the stake, he needed God’s grace desperately. And God delivered it abundantly. I love the story of John Hus and what it means for us as we experience God’s grace.
The End Intended by the Lord
Next, let’s consider the end game.
Your end, the end intended by your Heavenly Father, is certain. It is a good one, a great one; despite any problem that you may have, despite any obstacle you may encounter.
James 5:10-11 encourages us about God’s intended end for all of his children: “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”
So, in whatever form you encounter troubles or obstacles, consider the inevitable end game. Just as the family with the radio knows how the game will turn out, those of us who are Christians already know the end intended to us by the Lord. Since we know how our “game” is going to end, we all know how we should bet – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Bet it all.
“Bet it all…on what?” you ask. Bet it all on the things your Heavenly Father has promised you in his word, including–especially including–Jesus’ imminent, triumphant return and the certainty of your coming heavenly reward!
However it turns out in this life, know that your Heavenly Father is in control. The game is already won.
Two verses that have encouraged me in this regard are Romans 8:28 and John 16:33–
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
You will make mistakes, you will face troubles, trials, and failures, you will suffer. It’s inevitable, it’s unavoidable. But don’t forget… Great is His faithfulness. Great is His all-sufficient grace. Never, ever forget this! And whatever troubles, whatever trials, whatever obstacles you face, His grace is sufficient. He is in control.
Those of you who know me will not be surprised to see this passage from Philippians 4:4-13:
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Persevere, my friends, persevere. Persevere with confidence, the confidence of knowing that your God is faithful, His grace is sufficient–absolutely sufficient–for whatever trial you may face. You can do all things, you can overcome any hardship, through Christ, the one who strengthens you! Listen to these encouraging words from the Apostle Paul:
Romans 5:3-5
“…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
I close with the words of Paul as he completes his second letter to the church at Corinth:
“[May] the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Amen!
[1] Galatians 6:7
[2] John 15:18; Philippians 1:29
[3] James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:12
Only one word is needed… AMEN!
A beautiful message!!
Beautifully written…”and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Thank you David for such an encouraging message.
Hi David , This is Larry Davis A friend of Sonny and Martha. I a uplifted by your strength. You see, I am waiting on a Kidney transplant. Neither of us ask for or wanted what is happening to us . Sometimes I don’t know how to pray, but Got tells us ,He understands that too. I pray for comfort and stamina for You and your family.
Very encouraging words!! God’s word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. It leads us to righteousness. So thankful for His word which gives us peace. So thankful He loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus to die in our place. Thank you God for your grace!!! I see strength and perseverance in your words, Mr. Easley. Keep fighting the good fight!! We have victory in Jesus!!! Thank you for sharing.
Amen! Thank you for sharing these wonderful truths.
So eloquently written. I think of you every day at work David and miss you being there so much. I am in awe of your strength. So thankful for you and your beautiful family.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message of encouraging Words of wisdom and perseverance. Many thanks!
What a beautiful message. You are truly inspiring and a example to follow. Your faith is amazing and I learn something new with each of your writings. Praying for you and your family always!
David – what a wonderful message and one that you convened throughout your daily life. I know that you are at peace with your eternity and that my friend is the best peace one can have. Thanks so much for all you have done throughout your life showing people the grace of our God. I wish you and yours much comfort as you continue to persevere. I love you and hope you know how special you are to so many. Peace my friend until we see each other again.
💙
Thank you for sharing such beautiful truth! I am friends with Amanda; she is a beautiful soul. I am praying for you and your family in this season of life. Absolutely God is faithful.
David, Your messages continue to be so enlightening-just like you!! Perseverance is needed each day, and your message gives us scriptural proof of God’s unwavering grace to his magnificent end for all! Your faith is a shining example to me and Darryl and I value all our memories with you! We look forward to your ponderings!! Love you!
Wonderful message, David. Thank you for sharing it today. It was just what I needed to hear. I have good memories of working with you, Janet and many others at the MSU Foundation. I can’t believe how many years have passed. Beau and I are I still in Mobile, AL and love it here. Our children, Gracie (21) and Drew (16) are doing well. Gracie will return to MSU soon for her Senior year in Civil Engineering and Drew is beginning his Junior year of high school here in Mobile. I hope your family is doing well, and please know you are in my prayers in the days ahead, for healing, comfort and peace.
Angela Busby
For dear David and all the Easley clan: I am crying as I write this. What a humbling and inspiring passage! I will save this along with all of Paw Paw’s Ponderings and read it again…and again… Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers daily.
I am speechless……what a GIFT this is….. truly a TREASURE of TRUTH. Thank you, Amanda, for sharing it with those of us who are SO BLESSED by the friendship of your Dad. Scott and I continue to love and learn from your parents with each and every visit we share with them…..oh the lessons they are teaching and living out before us all…. Faith, Grace , and Perseverance ….. they BOTH are testimonies of these, in flesh and bone, in the midst of this huge and great struggle….. truly the Gospel in shoes. Again, truly a GIFT from an amazing friend and servant of the King ….and oh how we love the giver. I sing this when I think of them….. “ I will cling to the old rugged cross….. and exchange it some day for a crown”. Our prayers and love abound, Judi Segrest
David, this is Mellany and Larry Kitchens from 50 years ago in Utica, MS! Oh, how I have missed your Ponderings and this one did not disappoint! Thank you for your perseverance — you are a blessing and an encouragement to us. You have a beautiful family who love and adore you. Our hearts go out to you with prayers and love, Sending warm hugs for you♥
David, what a blessing and a light you and your words are to so many. Jesus’s love shines through you and your precious family. As one person commented above, only one word is needed – Amen!
Much love and prayers without ceasing,
Linda and Tom Segrest
David, thank you for this encouragement for all of us as none of us know what tomorrow May bring. I am Judi’s sister and we have been praying for you. We walked a similar path with a dear friend and it is sacred ground. You are showing us God’s unending grace in action. And you are living proof that His grace is sufficient and will carry us until we each gain our crown. Prayers will continue for you and your family. Shalom dear one. Jan Michaels
This warms my heart so! I was so excited to see another blog entry, and it did not disappoint. Love you.
Thank you so much for so beautifully reminding us of the truth. You and your family are so dear, and I so grateful for the eternal impact you have had on my life. ❤️
David, thank you so much for this! “His grace is sufficient.” You have blessed me today.
David, thank you for this well written,encouraging post my friend.
My prayers are always with you and your beautiful family. Hugs and love to all. 🙏❤🙏
Dear David,
I am stunned by your faith! I am writing a book, and you must’ve stolen some of the ideas from my book. Of course, it has not been published yet, but I’m only teasing; there’s enough of God’s grace to go around for all of His believers! I so enjoyed this story…as I do all of your stories. God’s grace IS sufficient; I am learning that.
I am praying for you and your family. May continue to bless you.
In Christ’s love,
Dorothy
David, the first word that I thought of after reading this “Pondering” was WOW!!! Your FAITH and PERSEVERANCE puts most of us to shame. You and your family certainly know the true meaning of both of those words. David, you are a true inspiration to all who know you and had the good fortune to work with you. I paid my Dad the highest complement that I can give and I give that same compliment to you. “David Easley is a Good Man”.
May God Bless you and your family, Rod and Jane Moore
Indeed. Although we haven’t met, you and your family are in my prayers. Jody and Amanda are a true and faithful blessing to our community. I am thankful for the life you have lived that pleases our Lord and the faithfulness it produced and passed to
the next generation. May we continue to be faithful to a thousand generations!
May God bless you as you persevere. The Ring of Glory is at hand and within your reach, Jesus is near. May you soon be filled with the presence of our Lord.
Thank you for your picture of faithfulness.
David, you have always been such an encouragement to me. I needed to be reminded of these truths. Thank you, my friend, for standing firm in your fight and continuing to point others to our precious Savior. Much love to you.
David…Somehow I am just now seeing this post from July, so I wanted to reply now. What an amazing, godly man you are with the gift of a wonderful, strong, and unwavering faith in God that He has given you! And yes, you have shown outstanding perseverance through this difficult journey you have faced for the past 3 years! You are certainly to be admired for showing courage, joy, and the light of Jesus that shines in your eyes, all in the midst of your troubles! What a perfect example you are daily of the Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” My prayers are with you always…and, may God’s love continue to surround and strengthen you with His love, now and in the days ahead!
🙏❤️Kathleen Huff Cade-Cowling