Perseverance keeps us going when friends fail us, when discouragement whispers, ‘Give up,’ and when doubt says, ‘It can’t be done.’ It’s our anchor in life’s storms, our compass when we’re lost, and the head of steam that gets us to the top of the next hill. James said, ‘The testing of your faith produces perseverance.’ Perseverance, which means to ‘keep on keeping on’, develops our faith. When the process is complete, God will end the trial, and not before. Here are three Scriptures for those moments when we need to keep persevering: 1) ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you’ (Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV). 2) ‘God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV). 3) ‘People are watching us as we stay at our post…working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth…when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honoured; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognised by God;…immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy;…having nothing, having it all’ (2 Corinthians 6:1-10 MSG). So let’s resolve to persevere; everything we’re going through right now will be more than worth it in the end.

What Now?

Next time you feel tempted to give up on something that God’s given you to do, have a look in the Bible for Scriptures about perseverance. Make a note of any that really speak to you and help you keep going.