In the Christian context, to persevere means to continue steadfastly in the faith, in spite of all the obstacles, difficulties, trials and dangers in grace to the very end, for our eternal reward and life with God .
With the mounting crisis and problems facing us, many of us may feel like giving up. We felt discouraged and lost. The situation becomes more desperate when it involves losing the things we treasured or the lost of our loved ones or some tragic events that happens to us.
We may also feel discouraged when we see many other fellow Christians losing interest in God and fall away or when you see the disunity and breakdown amongst many churches and leaders today. We should accept the fact that all humans are imperfect and sinners. Our motivation to continue with our faith and persevere towards the success of our lives with God's help should not be based on others or any other external factors.
Why Should We Persevere?
1.God Will Fulfill His Promises
What God has promised, He will surely fulfill and nothing in heaven or earth can hinder or thwart His intentions That purpose cannot fail of accomplishment nor can it be hindered by any humans or events that happens around us, thus we should all continue to persevere and achieve the greatest success in our lives with God's power and help.
2.Our Setbacks Are Temporary
Our setbacks are temporary. Focus on God and put our faith in God to help us overcome the trials in our lives. Our faith in God and His ability to help us in times of crisis and trials in our lives should not fluctuate with the times but to remain strong and steadfast at all times.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
How Do We Persevere?
1.Have Complete Faith In God
It is very important for us to remember that our relationship with God is personal and one-to-one NOT dependent on anything or anyone or any other factors that happens around us. The fall of any Christian leaders or any person close to us or the bad experience we may have with other fellow Christians should never be the reason for us to give up on our perseverance to rebuild, renew and revive ourselves and achieve the greatest success in our lives with the help from God.
2.Focus on God Not The Problems
Even when everything else is collapsing around us, God is always there for us and to help us no matter what the situation or crisis is. Our salvation is NOT dependent on others but by our faith and obedience to God. When we die and face God, we are not going to have anyone sitting next to us and helping us with the answers. Similarly, no matter what happens to others,our perseverance to succeed again with the help and guidance from God should never waver. God is almighty and powerful and can do all things. God is available for us at any time, any place and any conditions.
The Benefits Of Perseverance
1. Develops Our Faith
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
2. Blessings From God
James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
3. Honor From God
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
4. Produce Results
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8:15 NIV
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