per·se·ver·ance /pərsəˈvirəns/ noun steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
The last couple of years have seen some difficulties for me and my family, and the word perseverance has come to mind many times. It takes absolute perseverance at times just to get through life, to get through another day.
I’ve been reading Jackie Bledsoe‘s excellent book The 7 Rings of Marriage: Your Model for a Lasting and Fulfilling Marriage. In one chapter he mentions seven promises from God’s Word that help us to persevere. These promises can apply to persevering in your marriage, in your job or special project, or in any area.
ONE You are unbeatable because God is always with you.
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
—Joshua 1:5 NIV
TWO Things are working together, and good results will come from them.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
—Romans 8:28 NIV
THREE Despite the way life may look, you are a winner.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
—Romans 8:37 NIV
FOUR God wants to help you, and He will if you ask Him.
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
—Psalm 55:22 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
—1 Peter 5:7 NIV
FIVE Even in tough times, good things are happening.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
—Psalm 112:4 NIV
SIX God’s grace is enough, and His power is strongest when we are weakest.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
—2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
SEVEN The challenges you face now pale in comparison to the blessings you’ll receive.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
—Romans 8:18 NIV
I hope these promises from God’s Word encourage you to persevere as they do me.
By the way, I highly recommend Jackie Bledsoe’s book and his blog as well.
Thanks for the encouragement that isn’t fluff, but rather absolute truth. Familiar scriptures are still sorely needed to address the voice of discouragement that pounds at the door. I choose to believe Him. There is something quite victorious in perseverance, despite the immediate outcome. It’s the long view that holds promise.
Thanks, Wanda! Totally agree! We need to cling to God’s Word.