We all have things in our lives that are challenges for us. Some may be physical, some may be emotional. Some may be self-inflicted, and some things may be beyond our control. All of the challenges we face can be discouraging, especially when the challenges seem unsurmountable.
The Oxford Dictionary defines perseverance as “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” I can think of many times in my life when I’ve had to persevere. My doctoral degree immediately comes to mind. I failed the German language proficiency exam twice before finally passing. I spent a year and a half researching my first dissertation topic—only to throw it in the trash and start over.
In my career, I’ve had to be patient, waiting on initiatives and curriculum changes that took far longer than I thought they should. During grad school, I injured my knee on my first run down the “bunny” slope. Last year, I tore my Achilles tendon. Both injuries required physical therapy—also known as PT, or as some jokingly call it, “pain and torture.”
Perseverance means pushing through difficult circumstances to reach a desired goal. But Scripture tells us that perseverance isn’t just about the outcome—God uses the process itself to shape us. James 1:2–4 (NIV) says:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 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.
We typically want perseverance to be over as quickly as possible—it’s rarely enjoyable. But verse 4 challenges us to let perseverance finish its work. That shift in perspective reveals a deeper truth: perseverance isn’t just about getting through the trial, but about becoming mature and complete in the process.
Jesus is our ultimate example of perseverance. Hebrews 12:1b–3 (NIV) encourages us:
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Perseverance may not be fun in the moment, but I challenge you to embrace it as part of God’s plan for maturity.
I think this is something that’s not talked about nearly enough. I have seen oftentimes in my own life that when I am in a season of waiting that I’m told patience is what I am being taught. That I should be okay right where I am doing exactly what I am doing and, in part that it true. But I think there is also a degree of progress being made through perseverance rather than just waiting. I like to picture my growth/journey as a fish swimming against the current. If I am progressing, I am moving forward and if I am waiting idly I am being swept backwards. However, if I am persevering, I am giving just enough strength to stay where I am despite the river current trying to take away my progress. It takes a lot to persevere. The verses from James are some of my favorite of all time. I love how they highlight the impact that perseverance can have on your life and growth as a child of God.
Totally agree. Love the James passage!
“But verse 4 challenges us to let perseverance finish its work. ” This is something I needed to be reminded of. Thanks!
#same : )
Perseverance has definitely been one of the biggest struggles in my life. Due to past hurts and relationships failures, I am prone to just give up, instead of “persisting in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” It often seems that giving up, or choosing the easy way out is safest path to choose. However, the times where i have persevered in my relationships or in academics, leave me feeling much more fulfilled.