Run the Race with PERSEVERANCE

Romans 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let’s look at this term “perseverance”. In the Scriptures, we are encouraged to run the race with perseverance (Heb 12:1). There are 3 intriguing verses, which seems quite applicable. They are as follows:

Romans 5:2b-4 - And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.

2 Peter 1:5-7 - 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

James 1:2-4 - 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

What is perseverance?
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon defines it this way …

• steadfastness, constancy, endurance
• in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
• patiently, and steadfastly
• a patient, steadfast waiting for
• a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance

Perseverance is an intentional stand in faith, even in the most difficult times. Don’t you want to be there? But, how do you get there? There are two pre-steps declared in these verses that get us to perseverance. These two pre-cursory steps are a generous helping of “self-control” (2 Pe 1:6) or discipline and another helping of “suffering” (Ro 5:3) or self-sacrifice. Neither option is easy medicine to swallow. However, the outcome of perseverance is maturing and completeness.

How we patiently endure the trials and sufferings of life determine our Christian maturity. Because life hands us tough situations, we will have trials. The enemy of our soul would like to use these circumstances to get us to a point where we cannot recover and complete the maturation process. In every way Satan wants to kill, steal, and destroy you (Joh 10:10). But, Jesus is our Balm of Gilead (Jer 8:22). We have a choice in what we do with the storms and trials of life. Do we let the tough things (e.g., death, sorrows, pain, hard times) make us bitter or better? We choose life! We choose to be better! However, God searches our hearts in all things. He will shake everything that can be shaken (Heb 12:25-29). So, when things get tough, are you determined to become better in the situation? You can make it! You can have that enduring, sustaining strength that waits steadfastly for the hand of God to move. Jesus is our Rock of Ages (Is 26:4). The Lord Almighty is your fortress and salvation (Ps 28:8), your shelter in the storm (Is 25:4), your refuge in the times of trouble (Ps 59:16), and your stronghold (Ps 9:9). He can turn this trial into a trophy of God’s faithfulness.

If you need perseverance during a tough time that you are experiencing right now, reread these Scriptures, which are found below. Then, take ten minutes and write down three proclamations of faith that you stand on today. For example, you might want to declare, “Lord Jesus, just like David, you are MY hiding place (refuge) for today. Ps. 59:16 says, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” I need you! I stand faithfully waiting for your deliverance.” Then, carry those three statements of faith with you throughout the day and refer to them. Reread the Scriptures. Know that God is with you!

Please Pray
Lord Jesus, You are my shelter, my rock, and my fortress. You never fail! I desire to persevere through this trial, which I place in Your hand. As you well-know, sometimes I feel like I’m about to drown. But, You will rescue me! I acknowledge your faithfulness and trust You for the end results. I will not dilute the effectiveness of Your Word in my life! I will not back-down! I am determined to trust you today. I sing of Your greatness! You and Your Word will never fail me! You are my strength for today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Jeremiah 8:22 -Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?
Isaiah 26:4 -Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Psalm 28:8 - The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Isaiah 25:4 - You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall
Psalm 59:16 - But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9 - The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.