My keyword for 2012 is ‘perseverance’, I didn’t so much choose this word but accept it as something that I know God wants me to excel in this year. You see, I’m the kind of person that thinks BIG thoughts and then runs full steam ahead with them, but although this has proved beneficial in that I have learnt many new skills, the downside is that once the initial spark for the idea disappears so does any energy and motivation I have to follow it through. Since I left permanent employ in 2009 I have started a number of projects and business ideas, all with fantastic goals but when things got tough as they inevitably do, I began to lose motivation to continue until finally I would give up. I can’t even begin to tell you how many websites that I have created and how many domain names I have purchased for every ‘great idea’ I’ve had, really it’s ridiculous!
But at the end of last year and leading into 2012 I felt God firmly telling me that I needed to persevere in the work that I held in my hand right now and that it really didn’t matter if things looked bleak and forlorn on the outside that I must:
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continue to do the work that has been given to me to do and walk in faith regardless of the physical reality and
- not jump ship and find an alternative route to reach my desired destination.
In my mind perseverance is intrinsically linked to faith, according to an online dictionary there are two meanings of perseverance:
- steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
- continuance in a state of grace (unmerited divine assistance/endurance) leading finally to a state of glory (great honour/distinction).
To persevere is difficult because it means that on the outside at least we might be fighting against really low odds for success and as mere mortals it is very difficult to continuously face obstacles, hurdles, defeats and rejections in every direction and remain upbeat about it! But the great thing about perseverance is that our ability to stay on course really has nothing to do with us, this is a trait that comes from God and is manifested in us by the power of the Holy Spirit in the guise of faith. We can only ever persevere in something that seems impossible or extremely difficult if we have faith, and if we have faith to persevere in such a thing then our faith to do so comes from God, and if our faith comes from God then we are guaranteed of final success because God doesn’t lie and He is not a deceiver.
What does the bible say about perseverance?
Well, there is actually only one reference to perseverance per se in Ephesians 6:18 but if we take a look at words linked to perseverance such as steadfast(ness), patience and endurance many more instances of perseverance can be found. Here are a couple of verses:
Lk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.
Hb 6:12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises
Hb 10:36 For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.
Ja 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Ga 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
2Th 3:13 But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
James 1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
2Ch 15:7 Be you strong therefore, and do not let your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
Each of these verses confirm that endurance and steadfastness aka perseverance bring forth a reward, and that reward is success in the area of our life that we have persevered in according to the will and commandment of God. So just to round up, this year I am being purposefully steadfast and persistent in the face of difficulties that I may face in the process of doing God’s work and I will consciously strive to endure and be patient when faced with trials and tribulations that come my way to try and knock me off course… by God’s grace.
Has God given you a keyword this year or maybe like me there is an area (or areas) of your life you need to persevere in this year, please share…
Blessings in Yeshua Messiah,
Achama
Where Faith meets Health 
I think for me “perseverance” as well as “Do Something new bigger and better” are the keywords that the Lord has given me. It is also great to have a support network around that are saying “don’t ever give up”. So, my sister, “Don’t ever give up”. You owe it to yourself, your family, nations and the Lord, who deposits every creative idea within you. Be so so blessed.
Hi Bess, thanks for visiting my blog… And thanks so much for sharing your word and for the encouragement 🙂
This is such an important character quality to allow to mature. So much of our society just screams out to jump in and out of activities, to avoid the difficult and follow the easy path, to stop when the fun wears off. I agree with you in prayer for perseverance to become a pillar in your life that you might be an example of the fullness of joy and peace found there. Thanks for sharing so openly with us. You can also keep me prayer to persevere in the writing of my second book. A physical injury, as well as busyness and writer’s block, have all kept me from pressing on, but an email from a publisher yesterday and conversations with friends asking how it is going have stirred me to persevere. So thankful for those divine promptings.
My word from the Lord for this year: “The best is yet to come.” No matter what area, no matter the circumstances, when we are pressing deeper into Him and His words of truth, letting Him change us into His image, it is always getting better – for all of us. Blessings.
Hi Amy, I pray that you find the strength and motivation to complete your book… Someone somewhere needs to be encouraged through your words. I pray that you will know when to work and when to rest, God’s time is always perfect.
I am thinking of you dear friend xxx
For those of us with chronic health problems, perseverence is key in getting well. Also, learning to persevere in those things motivated by spirit, but letting the desires of ego and the physical body only (as opposed to ego and body desires shared with the spirit) die away. Every day do the “right” thing to the best of your ability, and the right thing is always of spirit. Thanks for all the great quotes on this topic. Very inspiring!
Thank you Terry for stopping by and yes you are right to not be directed by the ego or body if it is in opposition with the Spirit is vital to true success. I am glad that you found the scripture verses beneficial to you x 🙂