Tag Archives: perseverance

Devotional

From Betrayal to Brilliance

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Read Psalm 55:1-14

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.” – Psalm 41:9 (NLT)

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of AI developed by Microsoft.

Life’s journey is often marked by challenges and opposition, testing our resolve and determination. In such moments, the story of Tara Westover, as depicted in her memoir “Educated,” serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of perseverance. Her story resonates with the anguish expressed in Psalm 55, where the psalmist laments the betrayal of a close friend, echoing the pain of being betrayed by those we trust the most.

Tara Westover was born into a strict, survivalist Mormon family in rural Idaho, where formal education was viewed with suspicion. Her childhood was marked by physical labor, lack of medical care, and the constant threat of violence from her own brother. Despite these formidable obstacles, Tara’s thirst for knowledge and her unwavering determination to pursue an education propelled her forward.

Like the psalmist who cried out to God in distress, Tara’s journey was fraught with emotional turmoil and betrayal from those closest to her. Her decision to seek an education was met with resistance and abuse from her family, who saw it as a betrayal of their values. Yet, she persevered, teaching herself enough to pass the ACT and gain admission to Brigham Young University.

Tara’s path was not an easy one. She encountered a world vastly different from the one she had known, and she struggled to reconcile her new experiences with the beliefs instilled in her from childhood. Her pursuit of knowledge took her to Harvard and eventually to Cambridge University, where she earned a PhD. However, her academic success came at a high cost – the deterioration of her relationship with her family, who viewed her quest for education as a betrayal.

In Psalm 41:9, we read, “Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.” These words resonate with Tara’s experience of betrayal by those she loved and trusted the most. Yet, her story is not one of defeat but of triumph – a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of truth.

Tara’s memoir, “Educated,” is a narrative of redemption and self-discovery. Despite the betrayal and abuse, she found the strength to forgive and move forward. Her journey mirrors the psalmist’s cry for deliverance and the ultimate hope for redemption, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is a path to brilliance and fulfillment.

As we reflect on Tara’s story, we can draw parallels to our own lives. Many of us have faced betrayal by those we trusted, whether it be friends, family members, or colleagues. Such experiences can leave us feeling isolated and disheartened. However, Tara’s story teaches us that we have the power to rise above these challenges. By holding onto our faith and remaining steadfast in our pursuit of truth and personal growth, we can overcome the pain of betrayal and emerge stronger.

In our own lives, we may encounter situations where our values and aspirations are misunderstood or opposed by those around us. It is in these moments that we must remember the words of Psalm 55 and Psalm 41:9. We must turn to God for strength and guidance, trusting that God will lead us through the storm. Just as Tara found solace and strength in her pursuit of education, we too can find our path to healing and redemption by staying true to our convictions and seeking God’s wisdom.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Betrayal by those we trust can be one of the most painful experiences in life. Yet, through faith and perseverance, we can find healing and redemption.

PRAYER
Lord, grant us the strength to persevere through opposition and betrayal. May we find solace in Your unwavering love and guidance, and may our journeys lead us to the brilliance and fulfillment that You have in store for us. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.

Devotional

THE FORCE WITHIN, part 3: Perseverance and Faith

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Read James 1:2-4

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36 NLT)

From the eternal struggle between light and darkness to the quest for redemption and the power of hope, Star Wars offers profound insights into the human condition and the mysteries of the divine. Through the Force , the saga explores the interconnectedness of all life and the call to embrace our inner potential for goodness and compassion. As we journey through the galaxy, we will be uncovering the transformative truths that resonate deeply with our own faith journeys.

Part 3: Perseverance and Faith: One character in the Star Wars franchise whose life echoes the resounding call of perseverance and faith is Obi-Wan Kenobi. From his humble beginnings as a Padawan to his final moments as a wise and seasoned Jedi Master, Obi-Wan’s journey is a testament to the power of endurance amidst trials and unwavering faith in the Force.

Consider Obi-Wan’s early years as a Padawan under the guidance of Qui-Gon Jinn. His training was rigorous, filled with challenges that tested his resolve and determination. Yet, despite setbacks and obstacles, Obi-Wan remained steadfast in his commitment to the Jedi way. This perseverance, coupled with his deep faith in the Force, bore fruit when he eventually became a Jedi Knight, ready to face whatever challenges the galaxy would throw at him.

But Obi-Wan’s journey was far from over. Throughout the Clone Wars, he faced unimaginable trials as a general leading troops into battle and as a mentor to his own Padawan, Anakin Skywalker. The war tested his faith in the Jedi Order, in the Republic, and in himself. Yet, through it all, Obi-Wan clung to his faith in the Force, trusting in its guidance and wisdom even in the darkest of times.

Even after the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, Obi-Wan continued to fight in his own way, albeit from the shadows. In exile on Tatooine, he watched over Luke Skywalker, patiently waiting for the day when the galaxy would need him once more. It was a time of solitude and reflection, yet Obi-Wan never wavered in his commitment to protect and guide the next generation of Jedi. His faith in the Force sustained him through years of waiting, knowing that his purpose would be revealed in due time.

His final confrontation with Darth Vader, once his padawan and friend Anakin Skywalker, was a culmination of a lifetime of perseverance and faith. Despite the pain of their shared past and the overwhelming odds against him, Obi-Wan stood firm, sacrificing himself so that others might have hope. In that moment, his faith in the Force was unwavering, trusting in its ultimate plan for the galaxy.

The story of Obi-Wan Kenobi is a reflection of the biblical call to persevere in faith. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Just as Obi-Wan endured trials and tribulations throughout his life, so too are we called to persevere in the face of adversity, relying on our faith in God’s plan and the guiding force of God’s love.

In our own lives, we can learn from Obi-Wan’s example by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and character development. Instead of being discouraged by trials, we can view them with a mindset of perseverance, knowing that they strengthen our faith and endurance. Like Obi-Wan’s unwavering trust in the Force, we too can anchor our faith firmly in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem dire. Understanding that God’s timing is perfect, we can patiently endure through difficult seasons, knowing that our Lord is working all things together for the good of those who follow God. Let us draw inspiration from Obi-Wan’s journey and cultivate a resilient faith that perseveres through every trial, trusting in the guiding force of God’s love.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Perseverance and faith are inseparable companions on life’s journey, guiding us through trials and leading us towards the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

PRAYER
Heavenly God, strengthen our faith and grant us the perseverance to endure whatever challenges come our way. May we trust in Your plan for our lives and rely on the guiding force of Your love. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Worth the Investment

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Read 1 John 3:1-3

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Last summer my oldest daughter began showing interest in cheerleading and started to convey to us (her mom and I) that she wanted to take gymnastics in order to get prepared for cheerleading. At first we were both hesitant because we were afraid that this was going to be just some new “phase” that she would grow bored with over time. After all, she had come to us on numerous occasions and told us she wanted to do this or that, only to find out later that, after investing money in what she wanted to do, that she no longer wanted to do it.

There came a point where I got frustrated, mostly because of the money that these whimsical pursuits were costing us. I sat her down and tried to reason with her regarding her discovering what she truly wanted to do. I told her that it is easy to say “I want to be this,” or “I want to do that.” But no matter what we want to be or do, we have to invest our time and energy into it. Flitting about from thing to thing without any real commitment doesn’t do us any good.

And there is truth to that. We can easily become a “Jack of all trades” and just as easily remain a master of none. The fact is, if we are going to be successful in anything, we absolutely have to devote ourselves to whatever it is and go for it at full throttle. As a parent, I want my daughter to be a person of commitment, one who sees things through to the end.

With that said, in my frustration I also failed to recognize something. How can we ever discover who we are called to be, and/or what we are called to do, if we never start somewhere and keep trying. My daughter had done nothing more than what any kid does in an attempt to find something that they love to do…something that aids them in their quest to discover their potential as well as their very identity.

Hasn’t God done the same for us? Which one of us starts in this world with a clear picture of who they are called to be? If I we are to be honest, none of us can claim that. Our identity and our purpose both take time to develop. And, even when we do come to an realization of who we are called to be and what we are called to do, there is often a world of other things that complicate our discernment process and diminish our clarity.

Yet God, had given us the room to live, to learn and to discover. Each breath we take is another opportunity that we’ve been give to discover just who it is we are being called to be, and what it is we are being called to do. Not everyone is called to be a pastor, not everyone is called to be a nurse, not everyone is called to be a cheerleader, but each of us are called to serve God and represent God’s loving presence in all that we do.

Eventually, my wife and I chose to invest more money in our daughter toward gymnastics who, in one year’s time, has gone from someone who has never been a cheerleader to someone who made the JV cheerleading team. All because, my wife and I decided to invest in her and give her the room to live, to learn and to grow. God does the same for us. God loves us, invests in us, and gives us the room to discover who we are, and what we are called to do. To God, everyone is worth the investment and, truth be told, we are being called to invest in others just as God invests in us. Everyone is worth the investment no matter what we are being called to invest in the lives of theirs.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” – Oprah Winfrey

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for giving me room to live, learn and grow. Continually guide me to my purpose and give me the patience to make such room for others as I help in guiding them to theirs. Amen.