3 Keys to Developing Perseverance
1. Be consistent in cultivating intimacy with God.
Isaiah 40:29-31 tells us, “He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.”
Notice the three covenantal promises that belong to us when we “wait” (literally “intertwine” ourselves) with God by spending consistent time in His Presence, meditating on His Word, praying and worshipping Him. First, there is new strength. Second, there comes a new perspective, viewing things from the heavenly viewpoint. Third, there’s new endurance!
God uses the imagery of a soaring eagle that is so different from an earthbound chicken. How many of us are like chickens clucking and flapping our wings and yet not experiencing any breakthrough or peace in difficult times? God calls us to be like the majestic eagle, who from his high vantage point will catch the current of a mighty wind and literally fly without flapping for over 10 miles.
As Corrie ten Boom used to say in encouraging people to spend quality time with Jesus, “Nestle, don’t wrestle.”
2. Don’t change course unless God specifically directs.
Proverbs 24:16 tells us, “For a just man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked will fall into mischief.” God tells us here to get up, dust ourselves off and stay in the race when tempted to give up. As a coach once said, “Success is rarely final. Failure is rarely fatal.”
Consider presidential candidate Ben Carson who was raised in poverty in Detroit. His mother was one of 20 or so children with little more than a third-grade education. As a youth, Ben tried to stab a person and could’ve ended up in prison. Thank God this led to his conversion!
Yet with all the adversities he faced, Ben Carson heeded his mother’s counsel and read books voraciously. He went to Yale. He went to medical school. At the age of 33, he became the youngest head of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital.
Facing numerous setbacks, he continued on with his career, achieving seats on the boards of Costco and Kellogg. He was the first doctor to separate co-joined twins after 22 hours of surgery. Today, in spite of liberal media attacks, he perseveres.
What does Carson say to us to encourage us?
“Successful people don’t have fewer problems. They have determined that nothing will stop them from going forward.”
So no matter what you’re facing, stay in the game! Unless, that is, God is redirecting your course.
Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a “time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted; … a time to break down and a time to build up; … a time to gain and a time to lose; … a time to keep and a time to cast away.”
The key is to be led by the Holy Spirit, who guides us each day if we position ourselves to listen to any course correction.
In Nashville, for two years we hosted regular, citywide meetings of a group we called “T.A.G.”—The Awareness Group.
Every week we addressed the hot button issues of our culture and were equipped by prominent leaders.
Months ago, we sensed God directing closure. The assignment was completed, and for us to keep going would’ve been what Scripture calls a “dead work.”
Don’t continue on beyond where God has called you or where the grace of God won’t sustain you. Remember Ishmael?
3. Remember the future rewards.
Throughout life’s journey, we face many obstacles. Sometimes we struggle for the sake of Christ. Other times it’s due to satanic opposition. We also struggle if we shun God’s laws and reap what we sow.
Yet let’s remember that we serve a merciful God who loves to take our trials and turn them into triumphs, our setbacks into steppingstones and our trials into triumphs.
In the midst of life’s difficulties, it’s wise to remember the rewards that lie ahead to gain fresh motivation to persevere.
Take consolation from the words of Paul as he faced his execution sitting alone in a dark and dreary cell. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).
One of my spiritual mentors, Derek Prince, said, “There is no way to finish the race and keep the faith unless we fight the good fight.”
If you’ve been discouraged or tempted to quit lately, recognize God custom-designed this commentary just for you! He’s calling all of us to persevere and cross the finish line as “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37).
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
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