Perseverance is a critical subject in the Bible. True saving faith will enable us to persevere. Perseverance allows one to continue in a course of action even in the face of adversity. No matter the odds before us, we march on in victory knowing God has already defeated sin and death. We persevere by trusting God. His supernatural provision of strength and grace equips us to patiently wait for revelations, break through obstacles, and claim victory over the schemes of the devil.

Perseverance is not a passive state of being. Rather, to persevere means that we are called into action even though it means enduring hardship and trials along the way. Despite the trouble ahead, we are to press on with determination. Faith will keep us moving forward while God’s grace will provide us with the necessary strength to endure.

God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them. -C.S. Lewis

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

“Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” Colossians 1:11 (NIV)

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, endurance is experiencing or surviving pain or hardship. This is a form of tolerance. Should a group of people be abused or bitterly treated, they accept their condition and are resigned to their position. Perseverance refers to continuing despite difficulty and lack of success. Perseverance gives the idea that although a person encounters failure in life; he does not give up. Rather, he tries to carry on and fulfill his goals. The key difference between endurance and perseverance is that endurance suggests mere tolerance of life hardships while perseverance encourages one to go beyond hardships to achieve success and victory.

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV)

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

“Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” Colossians 1:11 (NIV)

The Bible Dictionary defines steadfast as dependable, and worthy of trust. It is derived from the Hebrew root having the basic meaning “to trust (a person),” or “to believe (a statement).” This is the same root that gives us the word “amen.”. The derived meaning is that the one so described is trustworthy, dependable, trusting, or loyal.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)

With perseverance, we must persistently continue forward in our course of action, purpose, and belief with an attitude of steadfastness, which is a quality marked with unbendable determination. The root word, stead, literally means to be fixed, as in fixed in place. With perseverance, Christians must live as lights to the world. This is not an easy task these days, but it is our true commission. We are the salt of the earth; a seasoning necessary to preserve faith and secure the salvation of souls. With God, we can persevere during unprecedented times and move forward without fearing the future. This hope is found in God alone, who is good and in control. To Him be the glory now and forever.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Matthew 5:13 (NKJV)