The
Beauty of Perseverance
BY
CHERYLZ1961
on November 27,2029
Perseverance
is vital to Christians. The Bible speaks of our need to persevere
through trials and testings. Perseverance allows one to continue in a
course of action even in the face of adversity, without regard to
discouragement. No matter the odds before us, we march victoriously
forward knowing God has already defeated the enemy and his evil
schemes. We put our faith in God’s character and love when darkness
is all around or when we are overwhelmed by obstacles. His
supernatural provision of strength and grace equips us to patiently
wait for revelations, breakthrough hindrances, and claim victory over
the schemes of the devil.
“Blessed
[is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.” James
1:12 (KJV)
“And
not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and
experience, hope:” Romans
5:3-4 (KJV
)
"For
ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God,
ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews
10:36 (KJV
)
Perseverance
is not a passive state of being. Rather, to persevere means we are
called into action while knowing it often includes hardship and
discomfort. In spite of the trouble ahead, we press on with
determination. Faith helps us in our attempt to move forward. God’s
grace provides the necessary strength to withstand every fiery
furnace of affliction.
“And
the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy
1:14 (KJV)
“Let
us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews
4:16 (NKJV)
You
may ask, Why does a loving God put His children through tests,
trials, pain, and grief? In both the Old and New Testaments, the word
test means to prove by trial. Therefore, when God tests His children,
His purpose is to prove that our faith is real. King David actually
sought God’s testing, asking Him to examine his heart and mind and
see that they were true to Him (Psalm
26:2).
“Search
me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties.” Psalm
139:23 (NKJV)
James
says that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which leads
to spiritual maturity. James also says that tests are blessings,
because, when the testing is over and we have stood the test, we will
receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love
him.”
“Knowing
[this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let
patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing.” James
1:3-4 (KJV)
“Wherefore
seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our]
faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne
of God.” Hebrews
12:1-2 (KJV)
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