"Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
(James 1:12)
The dictionary defines the term "perseverance" in the following manner..."continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition." That definition doesn't mesh well with our modern sensitivities about perseverance. Ask any man with a remote control in his hand about perseverance and he will define it for you in three to thirty-second flashes across the television screen as he surfs from channel to channel. Ask a young child about his or her favorite toy in the aftermath of Christmas morning's present explosion and he or she will probably move from toy to toy, incapable of choosing a favorite among a sea of possibilities. Ask a golfer if he wants take another try after hitting three balls in a row into the water, and he will most likely choose to take a drop on the other side.
Perseverance is not an easy task..."continued effort...despite difficulties, failure, or opposition." The temptation to give up, to let go of something because it is difficult is very real in the context of our life circumstances. "Life's too short," we say as if that justifies our inability or inattentiveness to persevere in times of trial.
Jesus knew that his path led to the cross. He knew he would be forsaken by his friends. He knew the weight of a sinful world would fall upon him, but he continued on toward Jerusalem. He persevered, despite the temptations to turn and run. James encouraged first-century Christians to persevere in trial, to stand firm in times of testing, for to do so is to know the promise of God, the crown of life through faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Life is short, but perseverance marks the person of faith who trusts the Lord, despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
Prayer: Faithful God, strengthen our resolve, help us persevere, not as a mark of human stubbornness or strength, but as a testimony to our trust in you. In the name of the One who joyfully endured the cross, Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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