2 Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 4 (NIV)
Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
If a Christian friend had to boast about an aspect of your Christian faith, I wonder what you would want that to be? Would perseverence be your first choice? It’s not necessarily seen as a glamorous quality, but in my opinion, it’s a very important and necessary one.
Persevering involves gritting your teeth sometimes, keeping going when you’d rather give up, and sometimes waiting patiently when it seems that nothing is happening. It’s closely linked to patience, which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We need to encourage perseverance amongst young Christians, so that they are not tempted to throw in the towel when things get tough. Paul boasts about the Thessalonians perseverance and faith during times of trial. They trusted God regardless of their circumstances.
As a wee lass, my dad would often tell me when I was struggling with something, to “stick in lass, and show them what you’re made of.” I can hear his voice yet spurring me on. Pastor Hugh Black, one of the founders of the Stuthers Memorial group of churches, used to often speak of the importance of “stickability”. In this instant access generation, there’s a danger of losing this ability. So let’s remember to stick in when times are hard, and show those around us what, or rather who, we’re made of. After all we do have the Holy Spirit Himself dwelling within us.
Dear Lord,
Help me to heed Paul’s advice to persevere, but also importantly to encourage new and young Christians to do the same, so that Jesus can be seen in our lives during times of hardship or trial. I ask in His Name. Amen.