Keep Going, Despite The Difficulties

 

     Do you ever have trouble putting one foot in front of the other, so to speak?  Perseverance is not easy, but it is a choice.  Circumstances can make you question why to keep going and why it's worth it.  Hebrews 10:36 tells us why we should persevere.."You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."  You will face adversity. It’s only a matter of time. Likely you already have.  “When things are going bad that does not mean God has stopped doing good. It means He is shifting things around to get them in place for more good, if you will go on loving Him.”  [J. Piper]

      As believers, we know that the Christian life is not easy or without hardship.  Standing firm in our faith in a world that encourages everything opposite to our godly perspective takes discipline and steadfastness.   1 Timothy 4:16  "Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."   Perseverance is defined as persistence in doing something despite difficulty.  As much as the world pushes back against us, we too must push back with our values, beliefs, purposes, and love for God and His ways.

James 1:12

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Ephesians 6:18

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Romans 2:7

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

Romans 5:3

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.

Hebrews 12:1

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

      "Perseverance is inspiring! Trying to live a Christ-honoring life while experiencing hardship can leave us frustrated and discouraged. But when we depend on God to help us through our difficulties, we are empowered to keep going even when we can’t always see the resolution of our problems." [odb.org]

         As for myself, I often feel like a Jenga puzzle with a few missing pieces.  My life has taken a few key pieces from me that have tried to topple me over.  I have persevered only because I have a firm foundation in the Lord.  I haven't always wanted to persevere, but it's a conscious choice.  I've had to think beyond myself and about God's will and purposes for me.  'God at times allows us to suffer so we can humbly recognize how much we need Him. When we trust His will, He uses those trials in amazing ways.'