There is a famous placcard issued by the UK Government during World War II which says “Remain Calm and Carry On”. The bright red backgound, stylized crown and white lettering has become a pervasive meme in social media for difficult and/or troubling circumstances. Perseverance is also a central theme in Christian life. The journey of faith is not always easy, yet Scripture repeatedly reminds us that endurance through trials produces strength, maturity, and ultimately eternal reward. From the examples of biblical heroes to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, we are encouraged to keep pressing forward even when the path seems difficult. Perseverance is not merely the ability to hold on in human strength—it is the steady reliance on God’s promises, grace, and Spirit to sustain us until His purposes are fulfilled.
The writer of Hebrews gives us a vivid picture of perseverance by likening it to a race: “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2, NLT).
The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon. The word “endurance” suggests not only patience but also active persistence in the face of hardship. Just as an athlete must discipline themselves and press on when they “hit the wall”, so believers are called to keep their eyes fixed on Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
One of the clearest biblical examples of perseverance is found in the life of Job. He suffered unimaginable loss—his children, wealth, and health were taken from him. Yet, despite his pain and confusion, he did not curse God. Instead, he declared, “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last” (Job 19:25, NLT). Job’s endurance was not based on understanding his suffering but on trusting God’s sovereignty. His story teaches us that endurance in trials often means holding on to hope even when answers are absent.
Paul’s life is another testimony of perseverance. He had to endure imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and constant opposition, yet he remained faithful to his calling. He wrote to the Corinthians: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NLT). This captures the essence of Christian perseverance—continuing to serve and believe despite difficulties because God’s presence sustains us. Paul did not rely on his own strength but on the surpassing power of God working through him.
Jesus Himself emphasized perseverance in His teachings. In the Parable of the Sower, He described the seed that fell on rocky soil as those who receive the word with joy but fall away when trouble comes (Matthew 13:20–21). By contrast, the good soil represents those who not only receive God’s word but endure faithfully, producing a harvest. This parable reminds us that perseverance is the evidence of genuine faith—it is not enough to start well; we must continue steadfastly.
James, the brother of Jesus, also highlighted perseverance as a mark of maturity. He wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2–4, NLT). This counterintuitive perspective shows that trials are not meaningless obstacles but divine opportunities for spiritual growth. Endurance develops character, which reflects the maturity God desires in His children.
The promise of reward further strengthens our perseverance. Paul encouraged the Galatians, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT). God sees every effort, every act of faith, and every moment we choose to trust Him amid difficulty. While results may not always come immediately, His timing is perfect, and His rewards are sure.
Ultimately, perseverance is not sustained by sheer willpower but by God’s Spirit within us. Romans 5:3–5 (NLT) reminds us: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts, empowering us to press on with confidence and hope.
So, perseverance from a Christian perspective is more than enduring hardship—it is steadfast faith rooted in God’s promises, strengthened by His Spirit, and inspired by the example of Christ and the saints who went before us. Job’s endurance in suffering, Paul’s courage under persecution, and Jesus’ call to remain faithful all testify that perseverance leads to growth, blessing, and eternal life. As believers, we are invited to run the race with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study