A Scripture Study On Persevering Through Our Daily Trials

I read in Webster’s Dictionary that perseverance is “the action, condition, or instance of persevering: steadfastness.” Hmmm…an action word that tells me to do something. I check its related verb, persevere. It means “to keep at something in spite of difficulties or opposition”. That’s helpful. What does Yah say in the Word?

 

I find perseverance appears once in KJV as proskarteresis (G4343). “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:18-20)

 

That’s a good start. My word is amongst prayer, supplication, speaking boldly about the gospel. I implore Yah, “There must be more.” I ask, “Is persevere or persevering in the KJV?” According to Strong’s, those words don’t appear in writing even once. Wow. The Holy Spirit isn’t leading me to word search “patience”. My word is perseverance. Nonetheless I decide to be patient and pray, “Your message isn’t coming through clearly. Yah help me to know.”

 

I return to reading the Letter of James’ as translated in the NAB and find perseverance two more times. “And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (1:4) “Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of Adonai. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of Adonai, because Adonai is compassionate and merciful.” (5:10-11)

 

Noting that James’ letter employs the verb of perseverance, I ponder over two more James’ verses. “Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.” (1:12) “But the one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one will be blessed in what he does.” (1:25)

 

Then the Holy Spirit gives me two more NAB verses to reflect upon. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Yahshuah, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right of the throne of Elohim.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) “This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him; if we persevere we shall also reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:11-12)

 

HalleluYah! Thanks Yahshuah! I understand now. My battery is recharged! My focus is right again. I will continue to train hard for the prize. I’ll proclaim your word, be persistent when it’s inconvenient, patiently teach, encourage, convince and reprimand those who seek Yah’s sound doctrine and truth. I will put up with hardship. I will perform the work as the Holy Spirit leads. I will fulfill my ministry to which Yahshuah calls me. (2 Timothy 4) I will commit to the perseverance needed to persevere in my faith in You, Yahshuah.

 

I pray my story about searching for Yah’s message in the word perseverance is a lesson for others, who receive a Word from Yah. While my message on perseverance is a personal one, it may also be for anyone who struggles with trials, temptations, distractions, or anything that interferes with their relationship to Yah. May you receive this word well and prayerfully move to respond to your own. Shalom, Elder Curt

Thoughts for Meditation

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest accomplishment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia

“You may be the answer to someone’s prayers. Without you someone may not be living. Someone you don’t even know exists, loves you and is grateful that you’re in the world.” Mary Augustine

“We’re all here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” Whoopi Goldberg

“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” Sigmund Freud

 
“Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats before you and no crowds shout your name.” Robert Louis Stevenson

 
“It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive.” Jesse Jackson

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