Be Persistent about Perseverance Karen Pourbabaee
“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-4 NAB
You probably don’t have to think very long to recall your last trial. When, not if, we encounter trials, we know a testing of our faith will ensue. How do we get to the other side of that trial? James tells us it starts with attitude. We must take the path of joy. Paul concurs in Romans 5:3, “…we exult in tribulation knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance…” Why joy and exultation? It’s the living energy of perseverance, giving strength to go on. We’re given the opportunity to pass the test of faith, gain perseverance, and receive God’s promise. Handing over the test is God’s vote of confidence that we can pass.
After establishing the right attitude, there must be an activation of our faith. That begins with prayer, an act of faith in itself. We must first persevere in that prayer encouraged in Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” This admonition also begins with the attitude of rejoicing, aiding endurance and perseverance. Faith activation involves running the race that Paul referred to in Hebrews 12:1. There’s a point where we must arise from our knees and run! And as we run, we’re to keep our eyes on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of our faith.
So what do we find at the end of the path of perseverance? If we are persistent about our perseverance, we will “…be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” (James 1:4), attain proven character and hope that doesn’t disappoint (Romans 5:4), receive what was promised (Hebrews 10:36), and secure our lives (Luke 21:19). Therefore, let us take the path of joy, accept the test of faith, and persevere in running the race that lies before us.
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