Perseverance means: “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success”.

Perseverance can look like a lot of different things. For example in nature, it’s a plant that grows from a simple seed in the soil, rising up from beneath the surface and blossoming into a plant or tree, that in turn produces fruit that contains seed that will continue the cycle of life – that is perseverance.

It could describe an athlete that trains hard, day-in and day-out, pushing themselves to be the best they could possible be in order to win their race; or it could simply be an average, slightly over-weight couch potato who decided that they need to stop eating junk food and start walking a little bit each day in order to get healthier, and find themselves fit and about to run a 5k around a park – that is perseverance.

Bottom line though, perseverance means toughing it out and giving the hard thing a red-hot flying go. It’s difficult. It never promises to be easy, but the result of persevering is oh so very satisfying. The reward of winning that race, or getting fitter & healthier, or running that 5k marathon, or even being that simple seed that grows into a magnificent tree and goes on to produce many more juicy and delicious fruit and seeds that become trees in their own right (metaphorically speaking, of course), is the epitome of success through perseverance.

The Bible has a bit to say about perseverance too. In fact, in the NIV translation, the word is used around 20 times. Here are a few examples:

“…but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.“

James 1:12 (NIV)

From what we can see in these few verses alone, perseverance is described as a desirable character trait that one should wish to have. We can also clearly see that we will have troubles in our lives and in this world in which we live, but, if we persevere, oh the joy, the prize, the end result we will receive. So very worth it, don’t you think?

So, why am I highlighting perseverance and what does it mean in the scheme of things? Well, I guess, it’s because of the fact that we are now already in March, and January 1 seems like distant history. All the promises and proclamations, resolutions and great intentions are starting to dwindle and flee in the breeze as the seasons change around us and the world becomes entrapped in another new scandal, another new fad, and the ever present threat of the end of the world by way of the common cold – now commonly referred to as the corona-virus.

It’s a fear driven world and time seems to constantly quicken, with many many things vying for our attention. Yet, I believe that we are called, chosen and purposed. There is importance in fulfilling the call upon our lives. Our everyday, day-to-day shouldn’t be shrouded in a cloud of fear or the latest whims of this world. We should be clearly and intentionally going about our Father’s business. It is not meaningless or flighty to pursue our calling and purpose. It is vital!

So, I highlight this brilliant word – PERSEVERANCE – more as a call to arms, a cheering on, a reminder to re-calibrate and intentionally set our hearts and minds to what we are here for. To remind us that we have a purpose for living out our days on this earth and that despite what is going on in the world around us, we need to hold fast and persevere.

Much like Paul wrote in many of his letters to the ancient church leaders and followers, commissioning them and inspiring them to keep on going about the good things for which they have been called, I too am championing you to persevere. Yes, it’s hard, tough and difficult to press on. Yes, it’s easy to get distracted and discouraged. Yes, it’s scary and unknown. But bravery, courage and strength is within your reach when you focus on the One who created, called and commissioned you to do that good thing.

Persevere, my friend. In the hard, the lonely, the difficult spaces – He is there with you. In the broken, shaken and fallen world – He is the light in you. In the unknown, the unseen, the dark and fearful places – He is your steadfast, ALL-knowing ROCK on which you can stand. He is the Start and the End. He is Everywhere, All the Time. He is the One you can depend and rely on. He is the Prize, the end Goal, Eternity. That alone is worth persevering for!

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” – Marie Curie –

Application:

• What does perseverance mean to you?
• How could you describe an instance of perseverance in your own life?
• If there were no obstacles in your way right now, what would you like to achieve this year?
• How can you persevere despite the obstacles?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today and ask you to give us the strength to persevere in and through all that is happening in our lives and in this world today. We know that you are our Source, our Strength, our Guide and our God, and we rely on you to help us keep going in our day-to-day. Lord, we don’t want to just survive and barely make it, we want to thrive and live fully in all that you have for us. Help us this day and everyday to persevere, until we reach the prize of eternity when you call us home with you. Amen.