What is the biblical meaning of Perseverance? It is the moral effort we put forth in doing what God wants us to do; not what we want to do. It means when life gets hard and we become tired, weary, beat down, and want to give up, we instead keep going in the strength of God’s Word, His Voice, Prayer, and the pursuit of Holy plans only God knows.
Jesus’ life on earth is a pure lesson in perseverance. From the day day he was born, kings and preists wanted to kill him. They set traps for Him in confusing questions, enlisted a disciple and friend to betray Him, and compelled the people to kill Him. Yet, He stayed close to the Father and stayed the course, ultimately fulfilling God’s plan to save the world. He defeated death, but it was horrible abuse to get to that resurrection day. Persevere in whatever God is asking you to do. Great works come from that.
Billy Graham once said, “Patience includes perseverance – the ability to bear up under weariness, strain, and persecution when doing the work of the Lord.”
We who have trained horses in our lives know the patient perseverance it takes to ride and train horses, especially the tough ones. Without putting forth the effort to be morally fair while methodically staying the course, we risk forcing the issue, putting the horse in a no-win situation, and giving up. Trust is then lost. No great works come from that.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12