perseverence – BeanSpired Editions

Shadowy mountains brood under a dim sky.

When Waiting Seems Unbearable

December 19, 2024 Megan Bean

We must wait, or give up on what we're waiting for. But how do we keep waiting when waiting seems hopeless?

A leaf-strewn sidewalk curves right through woods filled with dappled sunlight and autumn colors. This sidewalk is part of Abbott Lake Trail at Peaks of Otter in Bedford, Virginia.

God, Life

Scavenger Hunting for God’s Will

May 17, 2024May 17, 2024 Megan Bean

When we realize God is calling to us through our quandaries, we realize we're not alone in them. In the midst of overwhelming uncertainty, we can be sure of—and draw strength from—three things.

A white plastic basket sits on the ground in the aisle a barn. The basket has two rectangular compartments and a handle running along the divider between them. Its compartments are filled with various brightly-colored brushes and tools used to groom horses. The floor of the barn aisle is covered with rather dirty rubber mats. Shade and morning sunlight streak the ground. Under a board fence in the background are the plants and dirt of a paddock.

Donkey Devos, God, Life

Waiting for Perfection

June 13, 2022September 27, 2024 Megan Bean

If God wants our sanctification so badly, why doesn't He just skim off our old selves and slip on the new in an instant? Why make us endure the wait?

The sun sets in a dim, hazy sky above a marsh. In the foreground, plants stand silhouetted against water that reflects the sun's light. Farther away, across the water, the land looks dark against the sunset.

God, Tough Times

When Suffering Makes No Sense

January 27, 2021September 30, 2024 Megan Bean

Suffering when you can see the point is hard. Suffering when you can’t see the point is harder.

Snow blankets the branches and flowers of a dogwood tree.

Tough Times

Living in the Face of Your Nemesis

December 30, 2020September 30, 2024 Megan Bean

Maybe you're facing a problem, old or new, that has you frozen in your tracks or pacing in your bunker. Maybe you've tried giving it (or yourself) time, but found yourself growing stagnant. Or maybe, as overwhelmed as you feel at the thought of moving forward, waiting it out simply isn't an option. But how do we get moving? How do we live – really live – in the face of our nemeses?

A silver-gray horse wearing riding gear and a lead rope and carrying a rider stands facing the viewer at an angle. We can see only part of them: the horse's nose, chest, left side, upper legs, and a section of tail, and the rider's left lower leg and foot. They're standing in a sandy arena.

Horse Homilies, Tough Times

Hanging On for the Long Haul

November 24, 2020September 30, 2024 Megan Bean

Some things are worth persevering for. In fact, most worthwhile pursuits require perseverance. And there are cases in which perseverance pays off.

Bright yellow sunflowers on tall stalks turn their faces upward toward a cloudless, deep blue sky.

Gospel, Life

Looking to the Son

October 27, 2020September 27, 2024 Megan Bean

This is more than positive thinking. It's even more than counting our blessings. It isn't just admiring good things; it’s looking through the goodness to its Source. And it's committing to seeking that Source with our entire selves, all our lives, no matter what we go through.

Holidays & Seasons, Tough Times

Versing into the New Year: Part 2

January 16, 2020October 28, 2024 Megan Bean

Sometimes we start a journey with passion and focus, but as time goes on and the novelty fades, we lose that energy....The good news? God never leaves us.