Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV): Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

This past week, a friend of mine accidentally backed into a tree stump that she couldn’t see out of her rear-view or side mirrors. The impact caused her muffler, clamps and pipes to fall off, requiring unexpected and immediate repairs. A few weeks ago, another friend’s vehicle engine caught on fire as he was driving down an interstate highway. Thankfully, he was not injured. These events were certainly not intentional or deliberate; they were accidents--and reminders that in this fallen, broken world, “stuff happens.”    

Perseverance means “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness.” As you go about your daily workplace responsibilities and duties (as a business owner, executive, manager or employee), unexpected stuff will happen. It’s irritating, aggravating, annoying, distracting, disheartening and can be harmful or expensive. But it comes with life. We’re all imperfect humans, living with other imperfect humans, in an imperfect world. We’re not in Glory yet!  

When stuff happens, persevere! Get through it with Holy Spirit-inspired faith, diligence, patience and resolve. Be an encourager, helper and friend to others around you who experience unexpected issues and challenges. God is and will be with you through all of the ups and downs!   

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1. Have you had any accidents recently? How did they affect your body, soul, and spirit at the time?

2. Looking back, what do you think was God’s unchanging will among those “accidents”?

3. Did those personal experiences helped you become a better encourager, helper, and friend? Why?