Perseverance

We understand perseverance as struggling with all of our energy to overcome resistance and obstacles to achieve a goal. It seems rather odd then to think that God perseveres; resistance and obstacles are just not realities for Him. He is God, the all-knowing, all powerful One, who will always achieve what He desires.

Again, we have a slightly “morphed” word. The original meaning of persevere is to move towards a goal in a committed and determined way. For people, this will mean overcoming resistance; for God, He knows that the outcome is certain and secure. The Triune God continues to move forward to achieve His righteous purposes.

God perseveres in His sustaining and renewal of Creation; He perseveres in His redemption and sanctification of His people. He never gives up (or even thinks about the possibility!)

Sometimes it’s good to relish a Bible passage in the Amplified version, which gives us multiple meaning and nuances:

So that’s pretty certain. There is perseverance right there!

In understanding the virtue of perseverance, we can encourage community values of Patience, Initiative and Passion.

Patience: as we more clearly understand that God rules our lives, we recognise that He has purposes for us. Yes, we need to strive to achieve those purposes, but the direction and outcomes are in His hands. We can persevere with patience; just as He does.

Initiative: we can explore different ways of doing things. Although we are called to the purposes of God, we may well take different actions to those of another group or person. God has gifted each of us in different ways; He has not called us to be robots, but people who creatively initiate new ways of living under His sovereignty.

Passion: Persevering in “right living” under God, will involve passion and in this context, there is a heartfelt commitment and joy in what we do. Again, reflecting the nature of God.

Blessings,

[1] Hebrews 13:5b