James Chapter 1: Verses 3-4 (NIV)
…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James Chapter 1: Verse 12 (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.
Perseverance is important in every area of our lives, including our spiritual one. It’s the ability to carry on even in the most difficult of circumstances. An old pastor I respected used to talk about “stickability”, and my dad used to tell me when I was facing any challenges to, “stick in, lass, and show them what you’re made of.”
Today it seems quite common for folk to throw in the towel very quickly when the going gets tough. Children get bored really easily when they’re really young, and move on quickly from one task to another, and being able to stick at a task is something that we need to teach them as they grow. Giving up too quickly on something means we never get to know the satisfaction of achieving the task, especially if it has cost us time and effort. Perseverance strengthens our faith and means that we will inherit the crown of life that God has waiting for us. When Jesus was struggling in Gethsemane an Angel came and strengthened Him (Luke Chapter 22 verse 43), after He had prayed,” Not my will but yours be done.” He never gave up and persevered with the ordeal that lay in front of Him on our behalf. The good thing is, we have the help of the Holy Spirit to encourage and strengthen us when we feel like giving up.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes its hard to keep trusting and walking the way I know I should as a Christian. Help me to stick in as an ambassador of the One who prayed, “Your will be done.” I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.