The Importance of Perseverance
Perseverance is so important in many areas of our lives. But sometimes it can be challenging and difficult.
Dictionary.com defines perseverance as:
Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Let me give you an example. I really enjoy hiking. But I can honestly say that often the last push to reach the top of the mountain can be the most difficult. It can be easy to simply give up. It takes preparation and training.
When I first started hiking, I couldn’t reach the top of the mountain. But I persisted in my training and over time my edurance improved. I found myself bounding up quite easily over time but it didn’t happen overnight. I also needed the proper equipment like good hiking boots to avoid slipping, sunglasses and a supply of water to keep hydrated.
Perseverance is also needed in our spiritual life. Recently, I’ve heard some Christians say they lost the joy of their salvation. They remember how excited they were when they first got saved but have settled into a spiritual rut. When asked about how God is working in their lives, they recount times from years ago. But what about today?
I think we can all go through challenging times in our walk with the Lord. Sometimes, God seems to be silent and we can’t always “feel” His presence. By faith, we need to persevere even when we can’t see, touch, hear and feel with our physical senses.
Hebrews 12: 1-2 says “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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 11 preceeds the “therefore” and chronicles the faith of many of our heroes in the Bible like Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. They endured many hardships and walked by faith even though they couldn’t see clearly.
Notice that it follows with what we are to do to run with perseverance. Throw off everything that hinders, including sin in your life. Simplify your life for His purposes, not your own. And most importantly, fix your eyes on Jesus.
I find that when I’m tired and discouraged and about to give up … I focus on Jesus.
As I sit at His feet in quietness and with an open heart, He refreshes me. But it involves:
- Staying in the Word.
- Praying and then sitting long enough to listen.
- Inviting Him to fill me to overflow with His Holy Spirit.
As I grow closer and closer to Jesus, He provides me with His strength to endure and persevere …despite the challenges and obstacles.
How about you? How do you persevere, especially when you become tired, discouraged or have difficulties?
Debbie
Heart Choices
The only way I can ever persevere is by holding on tightly to the hem of His garment.
Powerful message, Debbie. You are right, even when we don’t feel His closeness, He is. Like you reminded us in the Hebrews passage ‘let us fix our eyes on Jesus…’. When I get discouraged, I grab my Bible and read through the Psalms – they are a great reminder that God is always close to His people…
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Perseverance is so necessary to be an active follower of Christ. I think in my faith walk the hardest time to persevere is when I feel afraid. Thank God for His Word, His listening ear and His help!
Awesome devotion Debbie!
Perseverence is a much needed characteristic in following Jesus! I pray for more in my own life.
May the Lord bless you today as you have blessed us! : )
What a great devotion! I needed this word today. I’m persevering by reading His Word and prayer but I still need to step out and go further still. I can do it. I think I can. 🙂 Happy Friday!
I needed to hear this today. Some days it seems easier to just throw in the towel but thank God He does not give up on us and He gives us the strength to persevere!
Thank you always for your words but todays is so important to remember in our walk with the Lord….sharon
From personal experience I have found when it becomes the most difficult is when there is a break through around the corner. Like you said, the last push is always the most difficult.
Thank you for this reminder.
I liked your example from hiking. I’m not a hiker but I can imagine how you must persevere to get to the top. I’m always encouraged to read the reminder in Hebrews of those who’ve persevered.
I press on because I truly have Psalm 121 in my heart. Beautiful message Debra. Your heart for GOD is always visible to us and I’ve learned in the short time we’ve known each other that you are a beautiful soul who cares very much about people. I’m tremendously encouraged in knowing you. I loved you from the start and as my sister I love you even more as time is gone by.
I love formulas, so I was so happy to find this in your post:
Staying in the Word.
Praying and then sitting long enough to listen.
Inviting Him to fill me to overflow with His Holy Spirit.
I will give it a try for sure! Allison