The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Never Give Up!" for Saturday, 5 November 2016 with Scripture: James 1:2-6

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Never Give Up!" for Saturday, 5 November 2016 with Scripture: James 1:2 Regard it all as joy, my brothers, when you face various kinds of temptations; 3 for you know that the testing of your trust produces perseverance. 4 But let perseverance do its complete work; so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing. 5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach; and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in trust, doubting nothing; for the doubter is like a wave in the sea being tossed and driven by the wind.
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We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.[Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)]
During my teaching career I decided to pursue National Board Certification, a rigorous and demanding endorsement. Teachers are allowed only three attempts to pass the certification process. My two young children and my husband supported me emotionally and encouraged me.
The year-one results came in; I did not make it. I was saddened and weary, knowing I had to endure the process again and wait an entire year for the new results. The year-two results came in; I did not make it. Finally, the third and last year I achieved my goal.
I knew through those three difficult years my children were watching my actions and how I handled failure. I wanted them to know that God gives us the strength to persevere, that when you fall you get back up and keep trying.
That three-year trial taught me a lot about endurance and made me a better person. I thank God for this experience and the opportunity to bear witness to my children that from our trials come strength of character and hope for the future.
Read more from the author, here.More from JoAnn Jarman

I would like to say the three year experience described in today's meditation made an unforgettable impression on my children and they became ambitious go-getters who conquered every obstacle in their lives, but nope! It didn't! However, Evan, now age 25, and Anna, 22, remember the years from 2001-2004 quite well and recall clearly my stress and hard work. Being published in The Upper Room has opened the door for dialogue with my children regarding achieving goals and not giving up when life knocks you down. We have had some great conversations because of the article and I can feel their pride in what I have done with my life, and I am enjoying watching them as they set their goals and work to achieve them.
I am learning that I can't expect my children to be my clones and there will be times they will fail and perhaps give up, but I can be a Christian example for them as they choose their own roads in life. Evan and Anna will find life success on their own terms, not mine, just as I did with my life. What they do have rooted inside each of them is a knowledge of right and wrong, and they are always quick to ask me to pray for them, a loved one, or a situation which appears bleak. And they have a mother who constantly reminds them to thank the Lord for blessings large and small, to seek God in prayer on their own, and to live their lives according to the Commandments. Hearing them request my prayers is a wonderful reassurance that my children truly do pay attention to how I live my life and, and they know I pray for strength and guidance to be the best role model I can be for them. I don't always achieve that goal, but I consider it an ongoing process that I hope and trust I will someday attain.
Many times I have told friends and acquaintances that I never really knew what my knees were for until I had children. They inspire me, they frustrate me, and they love me through my successes and my failures. I pray they know neither success nor failure defines who we are as people, but our character and the way we treat others is the true legacy we will leave behind us. So my prayer for my children, Evan and Anna, and my new son-in-law, Steven, is that they grow strong in the Lord, seek God's wisdom throughout their lives, and face their obstacles with faith. I am truly blessed to have a faith which reminds me to never give up -- a better day is coming! As the scripture reminds us: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
Thank God for the assurance and grace which brings us peace, even in our times of frustration and disappointment![JoAnn Jarman]
The above photo of JoAnn was taken in the media center at Thomas Cario Middle School in Mt. Pleasant, where she works as the media/technology specialist, serving over 1,200 students in grades six through eight as well as 100 staff members.

The Author: JoAnn Tumbleston Jarman (South Carolina, USA)
Thought for the Day: Whether I win or lose, my perseverance will produce a godly character.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving us opportunities in our struggles to gain character and hope. Help us never to give up, even when we feel defeated. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE PREPARING FOR EXAMS

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