The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of persistence and perseverance. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who persisted in following God, even when it was difficult. We also see commands and encouragement from God to keep pressing on, even when we face challenges and opposition.
Here are some of the key things the Bible teaches about persistence:
1. God desires for us to persist in our faith and obedience to Him
God does not want us to be people who start out eagerly following Him but then quickly fall away when times get tough (Matthew 13:20-21). He wants disciples who continue persevering even through the hard times (John 8:31, 15:9-10). We are called to continue in the faith, stable and steadfast (Colossians 1:23). We are exhorted to remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10).
Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” We are called not to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13). God promises blessings on those who endure and persevere in obedience (James 1:12).
2. Persistence demonstrates true faith and allegiance to Christ
Jesus taught that only those who continued following Him to the end would be saved (Matthew 10:22, 24:13). Genuine believers may stumble, but they will persevere (1 John 2:19). True disciples bear fruit that lasts (John 15:16). Their faith endures even under trial (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Persistence shows that Christ is more valuable to us than anything in this world. We will endure hardship for His sake because He is worth it (2 Timothy 2:10-13). Our actions demonstrate where our loyalty truly lies (Luke 9:62).
3. God gives us the strength to persist through His Spirit
The Bible makes it clear that we cannot endure on our own strength. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us so that we “will not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:31). It is “God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure,” enabling you to persist (Philippians 2:13).
We can come boldly to God’s throne to receive grace and help in times of need so we can continue on (Hebrews 4:16). We can be confident that God will provide a way out of temptation so we are able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). As we remain connected to Christ as branches to a vine, He gives us His life and strength to bear fruit (John 15:5).
4. There will be difficulty, but we can overcome through Christ
The Bible does not promise that following Christ will be easy. We are told that we will face troubles and persecution (John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12). Fatigue, hardships and opposition will come. However, God assures us that we can have victory through the one who loves us – Jesus Christ (Romans 8:35-39).
We can persist by continually setting our minds on things above rather than earthly obstacles (Colossians 3:1-3). We can run with endurance by fixing our eyes on Jesus and finding strength in His promises and salvation (Hebrews 12:1-3). We overcome by the word of our testimony and the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11).
5. Persisting brings great reward and blessing
God promises wonderful things for those who endure and overcome until the end. Jesus assures us that remaining faithful through trials will bring great reward in heaven (Revelation 2:26-28). We can look forward to the crown of life reserved for those who persevere under trial (James 1:12). We can joyfully anticipate hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant!” from our Master (Matthew 25:21).
The harvest comes to those who persist in sowing (Galatians 6:9). Similarly, the testing of our faith develops perseverance which leads to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). As we persist in obedience, we come to experience more of the love, joy and peace of God (John 14:21-24).
6. Learning persistence from biblical examples
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who persisted through difficult circumstances and were blessed as a result. Abraham persevered in faith over many years before God fulfilled His promise of a son (Hebrews 6:15). Joseph endured unjust slavery and imprisonment before rising to leadership in Egypt (Genesis 41:37-57). Caleb continued following God wholeheartedly even when other Israelites rebelled (Joshua 14:6-14).
The prophets persisted in declaring God’s messages even when rejected and persecuted (Hebrews 11:32-38). Job endured devastating losses yet still worshipped God (Job 1:20-22). Paul faced beatings, imprisonment and rejection yet kept preaching the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Jesus Himself endured the cross to bring about our salvation (Hebrews 12:1-3).
We can be encouraged to persist by the examples of other faithful followers of God who have gone before us. They demonstrate that perseverance is possible and worthwhile.
7. Persisting in prayer
One key area where the Bible emphasizes persistence is in prayer. Jesus told several parables that taught the importance of continuing steadfastly in prayer rather than giving up (Luke 11:5-10, 18:1-8). He assured His disciples that God would answer persistent prayer (Matthew 7:7-11).
Epaphras labored constantly in prayer for the Colossian church (Colossians 4:12-13). The early church persisted unitedly in prayer after Peter and John were arrested (Acts 12:5). Paul frequently urged Christians to be persistent in prayer (Romans 12:12, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2).
Through persistent prayer, we can see great things happen as God works powerfully in response. Persevering prayer demonstrates our dependence on God and our trust that He hears and answers us.
8. Persisting in doing good to others
The Bible also emphasizes persistence in continuing to do good deeds for others. Followers of Jesus are exhorted to persist in serving, giving, encouraging, teaching and building others up in the faith.
We are to keep on loving others (1 Corinthians 13:7, Hebrews 13:1). We should persist in doing good even when it is difficult (Galatians 6:9-10, 2 Thessalonians 3:13). God desires us to excel in service and the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7). The ability to persist in serving others comes from God’s strength and equipping (Colossians 1:11-12).
As we persist in doing good, we bless others and store up eternal rewards in heaven (Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21). We live out Jesus’ example of tirelessly serving people’s needs (Mark 10:45).
9. How to develop persistence
Since persistence is so important, how can we develop it? Here are some tips:
- Start small – Build persistence by being faithful in small tasks before taking on bigger challenges.
- Focus on Christ – Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus rather than your circumstances (Hebrews 12:1-2).
- Remember God’s promises and past blessings – This gives courage to continue (Deuteronomy 7:17-19).
- Take things one day at a time – Don’t get overwhelmed looking too far ahead (Matthew 6:34).
- Pray for endurance – Ask God regularly to strengthen your persistence (Colossians 1:11).
- Fellowship with other believers – They can encourage you to keep going (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Run from sin – Sin can easily entangle us and hinder endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
- Set meaningful goals – Have a compelling reason to motivate you to persist.
- Focus on reward – Remember the blessings God promises for finishing the race (James 1:12).
10. Persisting through doubt or spiritual dryness
At times, we may struggle with doubts, spiritual dryness or confusion. We wonder if continuing in faith is worthwhile. The Bible offers encouragement for persisting even through these challenging seasons. Psalms 42-43 describe the psalmist persisting through deep doubts. The father with the demon-possessed son cried out “I believe; help my unbelief!” as he persevered in asking Jesus for healing (Mark 9:24).
When we experience doubt or dryness, we can follow the examples of other faithful followers who continued seeking God in such times. We can ask God to strengthen our faith and renew our spiritual passion. We can honestly pour out our struggles to God while still looking to Him for help. We can obey God’s word even while our emotions waver. We can ask other believers to support and encourage us in persisting.
11. God finishes the work He begins
A great comfort regarding persistence is the promise that God will be faithful to complete the work He began in us. Having lovingly saved us, God will continue working in us to make us more like Christ (Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). What God starts, He is fully able to finish.
When we stumble, God’s grace can pick us back up and set us on the path again. Our loving Father is able to make us stand so we can keep following Christ (Romans 14:4, Jude 1:24-25). God takes hold of our hand and will not let us go as we walk together with Him (Isaiah 41:10, 13).
Rather than needing to clinch our salvation by our own perseverance, we rest in the assurance that God holds onto us and completes the persistence and faith He has produced in our hearts (1 Corinthians 1:8-9, Philippians 2:12-13, Hebrews 12:2).
12. Persisting in hope
Finally, a key part of biblical persistence is maintaining hope. We don’t just grimly grit our teeth and push through. We persist with bright hope of all God has promised and the eternal blessings to come.
We’re empowered to endure hardships by focusing on the glory to come (Romans 8:18). We can run with perseverance knowing that amazing things like Christ’s return and our bodily resurrection are coming (1 Corinthians 15:50-58, Titus 2:11-13). We persist here on earth while awaiting the full inheritance God has secured for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5).
What God has prepared for those who love Him is so wonderful it’s worth any earthly trial to receive (1 Corinthians 2:9). We can joyfully persist, knowing our labor is not in vain in the Lord! (1 Corinthians 15:58).