Add Endurance to Faith

2 Peter 1:5-7

One of the greatest challenges of the Christian life is understanding that it is a marathon, not a sprint.

We all experience spiritual high points that we wish would last forever. However, the natural ups and downs of life mean that these heights are often followed by difficult challenges.

For example, immediately after Jesus was baptized and heard His Father’s voice from heaven, He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan for 40 days. Similarly, right after Elijah defeated the false prophets of Baal, he found himself running for his life and feeling completely isolated.

When you are soaring spiritually, enjoy the peace and joy, but do not be discouraged when a new trial appears. Likewise, when you are struggling, remember that you will stand on high spiritual ground again.

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Understanding Perseverance

Different Bible translations translate this word as perseverance, patience, or steadfastness (remaining firm and unwavering). It is the ability to keep going despite obstacles or the temptation to quit.

It makes sense that Peter lists perseverance directly after self-control. Changing our lives according to God’s Word requires patience as we break old habits and build new, godly behaviors.

We must be patient with ourselves during this process of spiritual growth. Developing these qualities is a lifelong journey, and maturity does not happen overnight. Often, other people will notice positive changes in your life before you recognize them in yourself.

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Remaining Holy in a Worldly Culture

You will need perseverance to remain holy when friends indulge in partying, sexual immorality, and worldly passions. It can be difficult to stand firm when others seem to be having fun while you are denying yourself these pleasures.

It is even harder when you see fellow Christians compromising their standards. It takes true endurance to trust God’s timing and follow His path.

Living by God’s guidance protects you from the guilt, shame, and painful consequences of destructive behaviors. I have spoken with countless adults who carry the scars of past sins, which created avoidable marriage problems and spiritual pain.

While God is merciful and eager to forgive, you can choose your actions, but you cannot choose their consequences. Reading 1 Peter 4:1-11 can encourage you to stay pure when tempted by those living foolishly.

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Enduring Trials and Persecution

We must also have the resolve to remain faithful to God until the end, even in the face of persecution (mistreatment or hostility due to faith).

In 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter explains that Christians will face trials. Yet, he calls this a blessing because it allows us to share in the sufferings of Christ.

According to James 1:2-3, our faith grows stronger and our patience increases when we endure trials. We can face any hardship if we entrust our souls to God. This trust gave the apostle Paul absolute confidence at the end of his life, knowing that a crown of life lay ahead.

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You Do Not Have to Walk Alone

Remember, you do not have to build this perseverance by yourself. God has placed us in a spiritual family—the church—to support us when we are weak.

We can accelerate our spiritual growth by finding a trusted Christian brother or sister to keep us accountability partners. Sharing our struggles and goals helps us overcome weaknesses and build strong virtues.

We should actively support one another and encourage those who are feeling weak or discouraged. Make it a priority to build relationships with people who will help you run the race.

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Getting Back Up After a Fall

Most importantly, perseverance helps us keep going when we fail. It does not matter how many times you fall, as long as you get back up every single time.

Years ago, I read a quote that helped me show patience toward myself:

Our greatest frustration is that we cannot always live like we can live sometimes.

I used to criticize myself because I could not maintain the same high level of passion and energy every single day. I eventually realized that no one can stay at peak performance constantly.

Now, I focus on living one day at a time to the best of my ability, while looking forward to those high points. Perseverance keeps our focus on daily progress rather than perfection.

Perseverance is essential because there will be times when you must hold on simply because you trust God’s promises (Romans 8:28).

This is beautifully described in Rudyard Kipling’s poem, If:

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

Those who patiently wait on the Lord will experience a richer life today and a joyful eternity with God.

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BONUS: Watch this inspiring video when you feel like giving up: Warhawk Matt Scott