About perseverance, James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Perseverance is endurance. In the Christian life, it means pressing on despite burdens. Bearing the load while moving on toward our heavenly goal.
Sometimes an elite athlete will say, “Bring it on!” The challenge stirs strength and perseverance. The soldier faces the enemy with determination and resolution. With such determination must we face the devil and his attacks, his temptations to lose faith. When we resist temptation, victory brings joy. We gain more strength with every conquest of faith. The contest is critical. Satan tries and fails because we stand firm. Let us refuse to give in or give up. God will be victorious, and he invites us to join him in the victory! Satan’s temptation is God’s test. Satan means it for ill; God uses it for good. What battle will you win today?
Peter began his appeal to add various virtues to our faith (2 Pet. 1:5). The ability to keep on keeping on is perseverance.
Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
