“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)
An aspect of character we must master is perseverance. James tells us that it is the quality of character that will bring us to the mature and complete destination God desires. It is the character that will not leave us lacking and prepares us for every good work God has for us.
“So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-69 (ESV)
I have made a decision in my life that has served me well. I am determined to persevere no matter what. This is not something I choose in my own strength, but in faith. I am determined to persevere if it kills me. I find myself where Jesus’ disciple found themselves after all of Jesus’ followers left Him and the 12 remained. Their perseverance was based on the fact that Jesus was the Holy One of God and only He had the Words of life. When we really get to this point, we will persevere. If we are not convinced of this we will loose heart in the weakness of our flesh.
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:18
Three things we must do where things get tough:
- Pray – pray in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
- Keep alert with Perseverance.
- Pray and think about others instead of dwelling on yourself.
God wants us to endure to the end. If we do not persevere we will miss the joy of our journey.
Amen! The bible says to enure hardship as a good soldier.I have a slogan that God has given me, and that slogan is,”i will not be defeated”. Too many saints hang there heads when Satan shows his face not knowing we’ve got the victory over him.Too many christians are wearing makeup instead of war paint.They do’nt know that at the other side of every trial, God has a cap and goun for our graduation to the next level in Him. And we as His people must graduate at all cost.
Amen, John! Romans 8:28 and Phil. 4:13, not only these, but also Zeph. 3:17and 2 Peter 1:6. “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering (perserverence) and teaching”. We must continue to perservere for the faith…as Jude said, “praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Grace and peace, love and joy. Doug
Great post John. Thanks for all you do. One thing that helps me during those times of perserverance is the edification of other Christians.