PERSEVERANCE BRINGS VICTORY

Have you ever been in a tough season in your life where you had to endure some hard, difficult things? If you have, you may have discovered the key that enabled you to be victorious — perseverance. Perseverance has been the cornerstone for many who have chosen a life of faith. It is necessary to have grit to get through tough times and perseverance is that grit. Without perseverance, many of us would give up when our way is paved with difficulties. If we give up, we will miss some of the greatest opportunities to know God and His Son in a rich and powerful way. Perseverance means to abide, to endure, to persist, to remain steady in trials, and not to give up. Pause for a moment and review these definitions. Do you see your reflection in any of these words? Have you endured your hard seasons and trying times with patience? Have you remained steady and focused when you were overcome with trials and tribulations? Have you persisted while not being sure if you had the strength to continue? Let me share a secret with you. God knew all along you had all that was necessary to be victorious over these hardships. The enemy cannot send anything into your life that God is not fully aware of, and since He knows all things, He knows what you can handle. He also knows what difficulties will develop His character in you and showcase His power through you.

1 Corinthians 15:58 is one of my favorite scriptures. It says, to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord for you know your labor is not in vain in Him. The scripture tells you to be steady; to let nothing move you; to stay the course because you are not laboring in vain. In everything you face, God is with you and will give you a victorious end. Perseverance is not a one-time event; it must become a lifestyle. It is something you will need to do continually if you are determined to succeed. Those who persevere will succeed because they refuse to give up. Our Christian life is a race to the finish line; we are not aimlessly running around as if we have no destination in mind. In any race, the one who persists, who never gives up in the face of difficulties, will always triumph. Here is a perfect example.

A few years ago, we went to Zimbabwe to minister and to do missions. As is our usual practice, we visited a children’s hospital to pray for the kids and to bless them with gifts. While we were going through the wards, I came across this little girl who was about eight years old. She went from one person to another saying hello and smiling, and was constantly singing. She seemed healthy and so very joyful. When I asked her if she knew Jesus, her answer was an instantaneous and firm, yes. I then asked her to sing a song for me and she broke out into a song that brought a smile to all of our faces. Her parents watched her with smiles but there was also sadness in their eyes. I commented that she seemed healthy and asked why she was in the hospital. She was there because one of her legs had been amputated and it had developed an infection. Throughout all her health challenges and the amputation, we were told she never lost her joy or her smile. Her spirit was infectious and contagious. Although there were many sick children in the ward, the joy of this one small child lit up the entire place. I pondered to myself then, and even now, how often I lack joy when facing difficult seasons. It is hard at times to find a smile, much less to encourage others. This young girl was facing a life time of challenges in a country where so many healthy people struggle to survive, yet she embraced her difficulties by holding onto her joy. It is my hope and prayer she will always find her strength in the joy she exhibited. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us the joy of the Lord is our strength. I encourage you to find your joy in the hope that Jesus can cause you to triumph over all your troubles.