PERSEVERANCE.

In the spiritual realm PERSEVERANCE… is the Strengthening of the muscles of faith…to endure in the face of adversity to keep going, in faith…

The offer by some today is that Jesus exists to keep you from hardships, difficulties, and sufferings, and yet the teaching of Jesus declares otherwise. And one of the things we need and must develop is perseverance. “Perseverance,”–“The Greek word is “Hupomone” has to do with the circumstances of life (trials, difficulties, hardships)…”Hupomone” is also translated “patience” and describes a bearing up under or remaining under trials in a God-honoring way so as to learn the lesson for which they have been sent, rather than attempting to squirm out from under them in an effort to be relieved of their pressure. And so “hupomone” does not describe a grim resignation or a passive “grin and bear” attitude but a triumphant facing of difficult circumstances knowing that even out of evil God guarantees good. It is courageous gallantry that accepts suffering and hardship and turns them into grace and glory. The difficulties in our lives, The obstacles we face, Give God the opportunity…”-( gotquestions.com)

And how is perseverance strengthened?  Some means are through…

1.- SUFFERING–“And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” -(Rom 5:3-4)

2.- TRIALS-“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”-(James 1:2-4)

3.- SCRIPTURE – “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”-{Rom 15:4}

4.- LOVE- MOTIVATED BY LOVE FOR Him– “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”- (James 1:12)

5.- FAITH IN JESUS- Fixing our Eyes on Jesus –”Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus…”- (Heb 12:1-2)

6.-DISCARDING SIN AND THE THINGS THAT ENTANGLE US – “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,…”-( Heb 12:1)

7. -YOU WILL BE REWARDED IF YOU PERSEVERE -Keep doing good …DON’T STOP –”Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. (Gal 6:9)

8.- HOPE results – “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. “- (Rom 15:4)

9.- GOD GIFTED- “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus,“- (Rom 15:5)

James also exhorts us to persevere “under trials” because those who do will be blessed and will receive the “crown of life” which God has promised (James 1:12). Just as the true believer will be eternally secure in his salvation, his faith will also persevere in affliction, sickness, persecution, and the other trials of life that befall all believers.

If we desire to live godly lives in Christ, we will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), but the faithful will persevere, kept by the power of the Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of our salvation and who will keep us “strong to the end,” persevering so we will be “blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8).”-(gotquestions.com) “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)

  • Take time and read the Scriptural references and allow the Spirit of God to strengthen your faith and be a help and encouragement to others to persevere.

God Bless,

Aidan.