Perseverance isn’t a term we hear very often any more. Just for reference, here’s what Dictionary.com has to say: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”
Perhaps another word we could use is “endurance.” Consider the connection between hope and endurance in the following passages (italics are added for emphasis):
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1Co 13:7 ESV)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Rom 15:4 ESV)
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom 5:3-5 ESV)
Hope doesn’t mean that the going will always be easy. I think we’ve all lived long enough to know the truth of that. But, hope does mean that we will make it through (persevere) whatever challenges we may face … if we keep our eyes on Christ, relying on His strength and looking forward to the future He has promised. So, whatever you’re facing, persevere with hope!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
No comments:
Post a Comment