“And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Have you ever wanted something so badly but felt like it was just out of reach? Perseverance is an essential quality for achieving your goals and dreams. It’s a trait that requires you to persist in the face of adversity and keep going no matter what obstacles stand in your way. Proverbs 23:18 aptly captures this sentiment, “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” This proverb can easily be likened to a marathon runner; they have a destination in mind, but it won’t come without dedication, mental strength, and determination.
It’s easy to feel discouraged when hardships arise, or progress feels slow. However, if you’re struggling to see progress or remain motivated, it can help to reframe challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. With some focus on the positive aspects of these situations, they can become vehicles of progress instead of roadblocks on your journey toward success. Now the question is, to what extent can you still wait until you get what you want? To what extent can you even go to where you are going? These and many more are the questions perseverance asks and seek to answer. Perseverance is the ability to persist despite adversity.
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
In ordinary parlance, perseverance can be said to mean: persistence, determination, strict adherence to a course, insistence on goals set, aims sought to be achieved, and mission and vision set to be accomplished. Perseverance is the hard work you do after getting tired of doing the hard work you already did. The effort you put into something will make you successful or build you up. All human endeavors need and require perseverance for them to succeed and thrive. Persevering times are times we need to stretch ourselves, endure pains and sufferings and then forge ahead to finish the line.
With an understanding that there is an end and hope in the Lord for us, we must, therefore, not quit the line, never relent, and never recede. Precious is the gold that perseveres the furnace of fire. Therefore, persevere in your faith and become precious in the end. In the face of discouraging factors and challenging situations, let us keep moving. There is a light at the end of every tunnel; some tunnels happen longer than others. Therefore, quit not, rather persevere! Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Prayer:
- Lord God, I receive grace to persevere in you until I become the precious me.
- Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” in Jesus’ name. Amen.
