I have had perseverance on my heart for a few days now, so will encourage you with this topic today.
Perseverance is defined as “Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.”
I am as guilty as anyone of being “self-reliant” when it comes to perseverance, thinking incorrectly, that if I just dig a little deeper, do a little more, try a little harder, pray a little more, be more of a blessing, all in my own strength, that I will gain more perseverance and overcome the situation. This actually ends in “BURNOUT” in the end.
Romans 15:5 says, “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It comes down to our relationship with God, humbling ourselves, and asking for perseverance. He wants us to come to Him in relationship, for more perseverance, so that He can give us true perseverance, and walk with us on our way to successes.
How many of us think about perseverance when it comes to the manifestations of the Holy Spirit? Me, not so much. However, Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians, speaking of himself in a previous visitation in 2 Corinthians 12:12 says, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.” As we operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it’s going to take perseverance on our part, to see it through to the successes. I never looked at it this way, which gives me more determination in this area of ministry.
Since I am an “Older Man” I will end with this one as a note to self: Titus 2:2, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”
Blessings in perseverance,
Dave and Sallie Steinacher