Category Archives: Perseverance

Bible, Character, Perseverance, Proven, Scripture, Trials, Tribulations

THE REST OF THE STORY

ROMANS 5:4

“and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;”

Have you ever read a good book and stopped short of the finish? Why would you do that? Why not see how it ends? I love to read, but I don’t do it enough. I have a couple of favorite Christian fiction authors that keep me riveted. I could read their stuff all the time. When I finish their latest book, I am looking forward to the next one. But I have never stopped short of the finish.

Today’s verse gives us the next part of the story that Paul began way back in 5:1. Yesterday’s verse was kind of the cliffhanger. He told us to celebrate tribulations because it brings perseverance. Today Paul goes further into proven character and then right back to hope. The Greek word dokimé is translated as “proven character” here. It can mean proof, ordeal, proven worth or test also. The word implies character that is built through testing. That’s what God does in our lives.

APPLICATION

We see dokimé used in 2 Corinthians 8:2. Let’s back up to 8:1 to get the context (that’s always important). “1 Now, brothers and sisters, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.” Here dokimé is translated “ordeal.” But look what it produced – abundance of joy and wealth of liberality.

In Philippians 2:22 Paul uses dokimé to describe Timothy whom he was sending to the church there. Paul says that Timothy had proven himself loyal to the gospel by serving alongside him on those arduous missionary journeys. Surely, Timothy suffered with Paul. Surely, Timothy was in great danger many times himself.

Are you proven? Have you gone through the fires of trials in your life and come out on the other side proven by God. I can tell you there is no feeling like it. Coming out of a hard time knowing that it was Jesus Who carried you through is lifechanging. He hardens you to other trials you face. He prepares you through adversity to face life’s challenges. Yes, there is more to the story in each of our lives. How will you choose to face them?

Lord God, You are always faithful to see me through the hard times through which you prepare me for my future journeys.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Endurance, Faith, Perseverance, Scripture, Trust

PERSEVERE

ROMANS 2:7

“to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life;” 

Perseverance is definitely an admirable quality in a person. I have friends who have persevered under tremendous trials and conflicts. Some of those have been physical challenges with their health. Others have faced family issues that threatened to diminish their trust in God. But through it all, they have persevered. What does Paul mean by the use of that word in today’s verse?

Paul uses the Greek word hypomonē which “conveys steadfast endurance that clings to God in the face of pressure. More than passive waiting, it is active, faith-filled perseverance that refuses to abandon obedience or hope. While English versions alternately render the term ‘endurance,’ ‘perseverance,’ or ‘patience,’ its essence is a Spirit-empowered tenacity that remains under trial until God’s purpose is fulfilled.” (Topical Lexicon). Perseverance without a God motivation is just stubbornness (that we discussed in verse 5).

APPLICATION

Hypomonē is used by Jesus in the Parable of the Sower to describe the seed in the good soil. In Luke 8:15 He says, “‘But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.’” Even good soil can be challenging. Weeds can spring up that need pulling. Water is needed to help the seed germinate and grow. Fruit production takes perseverance.

We see hypomonē also in 2 Corinthians 6:4 where it is translated as “endurance.” Read verses 1-10 to get a full picture of what Paul is sharing here. But verse 4 says, “but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in difficulties,” As leaders in our churches, we are expected to exemplify hypomonē as others are observing our actions.

I love how Peter uses hypomonē in his building list of characters in 2 Peter 1:5-8. It is worth sharing here. “5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

So, examine where you are on a scale of 1 to 10 in regard to your perseverance in the faith. God is not asking you to do this alone. He is right there with you. Step out and trust Him. 

O Lord, help me persevere when I see no light because I know You are the only light I need.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Enemies, Perseverance, Scripture, Standing

STAND FIRM

PHILIPPIANS 4:1

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Being an American football fan, I love a good ballgame. My beloved Georgia Bulldogs have given me many hours of enjoyment over the years. My heart gets to racing when their defense is faced with a particular challenge like a goal line stand when the opposing team is poised to score. When the defense stands firm against that team and keeps them out of the end zone, it is truly something worth cheering about.

Okay, enough about football. Paul is telling his “beloved brothers and sisters” to stand firm. This is a verb he has used more than once in his epistles. It means to be stationary or to persevere. In other words, don’t be moved. Just like my Bulldogs’ defense in the face of their “enemy,” they must stand firm. Paul writes this in the Present Tense which means to keep doing it. It is also in the Imperative Mood which means it is a command. Another interesting thing about this Greek word is it comes from the Perfect Tense of another related word for “stand.” I was taught that the Perfect Tense carries lasting results.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul uses this verb when he writes, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” It’s almost like he’s saying, “Buck up, buttercup.” No, not really. But he is encouraging the believers in Corinth to be strong and to persevere. Do you ever need to be told that? I do. When I have prayed about something long and hard and I still see no movement from heaven, it is good to hear those words. Just persevere.

I recently heard a quote which was in reference to Daniel praying. It said, “One man praying on earth can move angels in heaven.” Wow! That’s powerful. We have to keep praying. We have to stand firm in the face of our enemies. That is what Paul is telling his beloved Philippian church.

In Galatians 5:1, Paul says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Don’t go back to your previous way of living. Don’t let your enemy drag you back into a lifestyle of sin and depravity. Stand firm! Don’t fall back. Face your enemy and declare victory in the devil’s face. Praise the Lord!

Lord, we already have the victory. Help me to stand firm against all attacks.

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Bible, Enemies, Persecution, Perseverance, Salvation, Scripture

WINNOWED

PHILIPPIANS 1:28

“and in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and this too, from God.”

Forty years ago, I went on a mission trip to Liberia. I was part of a three person team (a doctor, a nurse and me). We conducted medical clinics in several locations in Southwest Liberia near the coast. I will never forget in one village I watched this young lady thrashing grain and then separating it from the husk by tossing it in a shallow platter, letting the wind blow away the chaff. It was such a neat process and one which she had done many times.

Why am I talking about this? Because the word Paul uses in today’s verse for “alarmed” describes that process of winnowing. Strong’s Lexicon says this, “The Greek verb pturó primarily refers to the agricultural process of winnowing, which involves separating the grain from the chaff using a fan or by tossing it into the air. This term is used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the process of separating the righteous from the wicked or purifying one’s life from sin.” This word is only used here in today’s verse in the New Testament.

APPLICATION

Paul knew persecution of Philippi. Remember back in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas went there, they were attacked and thrown into prison for delivering a slave woman from her demon. They were accused of preaching against their gods. Paul knew these Philippian believers were facing similar persecutions from these pagan idol worshippers as well as the Judaizers who wanted to force Mosaic law on them.

Don’t you love what Paul tells them? He says this persecution will be “a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you.” I am reminded of Deuteronomy 32:35 which says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” Paul knew God was aware of their persecution and would repay the evildoers in due time. He would use this persecution for their salvation as proof of their dedication to Jesus.

Are you being winnowed right now? Do you feel like you are being thrashed like grain? Remember my story. The winds of persecution are blowing away all the chaff in your life. God will see you through this. He will use it to purify you and make you more like Him. Do you trust Him? Let Him take vengeance in His time. He will repay.

Father, remind me when I feel the rods of thrashing against me that You are purifying me for my salvation.

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Bible, Patience, Perseverance, Power, Scripture, Strength

STRENGTHENED FOR WHAT?

COLOSSIANS 1:11

“strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience;” 

People lift weights and build muscle for a variety of reasons. Some do it to make their work easier. Others do it because they just enjoy working out. Still others do it to compete in muscle building contests. I know a few people in that latter category. They aren’t showboats or braggarts. They just love to compete, and this is their way of doing that. This type of training takes a lot of time. They have to persevere through pain and have to be patient as they see the results of their workouts.

Paul tells us today that we are to be “strengthened with all power.” Whose power? Well, Paul knew of only one source of true power – God. He prays for His power to strengthen us. The particular Greek word Paul uses here for “strengthened” is dunamoó. It “implies an infusion of strength or power, typically from an external source, such as God or the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to perform tasks or endure situations beyond their natural capacity.” (Strong’s Lexicon) This particular form of this Greek word is only used twice in the New Testament. Here and also in Hebrews 11:34 referring to the faithful saints who were made strong in their weakness.

APPLICATION

How has the Lord strengthened you? Has He given you the strength to persevere through trials, to be patient in the midst of chaos? Think for just a minute about the last trial you went through. Maybe you are in one right now. As you pray about these trials, how does the Lord strengthen you? What does He say to you as you pour out your heart to Him?

The Greek word for “perseverance” means to be faithful under pressure. It means to trust in the promises of God, even though you cannot see a way out. It is total reliance on Him to see you through. You just keep putting one foot in front of another. It’s not blind faith because you know the one who is leading you. It’s patience in the midst of circumstances.

The word used for “patience” here is often translated as “long-suffering.” This word refers to patience with people. We all have people who can push our buttons, don’t we? That’s what this word is for. It can mean to show forbearance. It’s not just putting up with that person. It’s seeing them through God’s eyes and not our passion. Try that this week with family!

Who strengthens you? I think you know the answer to that. Trust His strength which is given to you as just the right time.

Father, strengthen me today so I can show perseverance and patience in my circumstances and towards others.

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Bible, Perseverance, Prayer, Requests, Scripture

PRAYER IS ESSENTIAL

EPHESIANS 6:18

“With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,”

I recently read a quote from Corrie Ten Boom that said, “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.” Pretty good advice, right? Martin Luther allegally said, “I am so busy today, I only have time to pray four hours.” What?! When is the last time you or I prayed for four hours? Prayer is the key to our intimate walk with the Father.

Paul ends his discussion about the armor with today’s verse. Many people end the discussion with verse seventeen about the helmet and sword. But without prayer, the armor isn’t complete. The word Paul uses, both the noun and verb form, means an exchange of wishes. It’s an expression from us to God. And Paul tells us to “pray at all times in the Spirit.” In other words, pray intently according to how the Spirit leads. He is not saying to get all out of control. The Spirit always leads us toward God.

APPLICATION

Then Paul gives us two applications for this prayer. We are to “be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints.” I really like that Greek word which is translated as “be alert.” It is agrypnéō (from A, “not” and hýpnos, “sleep”). It means no sleeping, staying vigilant (alert, attentive), without any unnecessary time off. (HELPS Word studies). Have you ever fallen asleep sleeping? Well, I have been guilty of that.

This word is used in Luke 21:36 where Jesus says, “‘But stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’” When we are praying, we are literally in the presence of God. We are in His throne room. So be alert with all perseverance (which means to be steadfast).

The word used for “requests” refers to specific requests. As I lead Every Man A Warrior’s Prayer ministry, I am constantly asking our men for specific ministry related prayer requests. Why? Because I want to pray specifically for them. Nice, general prayers are good, too. But here in today’s verse we are told to pray specifically. Have you done that today? Why not now?

Father, let me never take prayer for granted. It is a joy and privilege to pray steadfastly and specifically.

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Abundance, Bible, Perseverance, Scripture, Strength

STRONG HANDS

ZECHARIAH 8:9

“‘The LORD of armies says this: “Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of armies was laid, so that the temple might be built.”’”

I never met my great grandfather, Mack Willis. He died long before I was born. My dad told me that he could take an 8-penny nail (which is about 2 ½ inches long) and bend it only using his middle finger and thumb. That’s a strong hand. My dad said you never wanted to get caught by that hand, lol.

The Lord was referring to the people’s hand strength somewhat in today’s verse. He was saying that they needed to finish what they had started – building the temple. Haggai had begun to exhort the people, and Zechariah was continuing that. They were going to need strong hands to continue the work. Stone and timbers must be laid. It was going to be hard work and take time, but they could do it with the Lord’s help.

APPLICATION

What task has the Lord given you that requires you to have “strong hands”? What task do you need to complete? As believers, we have all been called by God to do His work. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” The Greek word for “workman” literally means someone who toils or labors.

No one ever said serving God would be a simple task, but it’s so rewarding. I don’t mean monetarily. The rewards we receive for a job well done all go back to the One who gave them. We work to glorify Him. Just as the laborers on the temple gave all the glory to God, we do the same as we labor in His service.

I know my task is to grow men into disciple makers. I have been charged by God to train men to be leaders in countries so they can change their culture for Christ. What a glorious task He has given me. I thank God for the privilege. Do I get tired sometime? You had better believe. It is during those times that I pray for strong hands to continue the labor.

Oh, praise You, Lord, for the gift of strength for the task at hand. The fields are white for the harvest.

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Accountability, Bible, Blameless, Conviction, Discipline, God's Will, Modeling, Obedience, Perseverance, Scripture

ACCURATE

ZECHARIAH 1:7

“On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, that is, the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, as follows:” 

For many years I oversaw the Quality Assurance programs for the children’s homes ministries where I served. You have to be kind of accurate when you do that. Many times funding sources depended on the accuracy of my data. I enjoyed that work and learned little secrets to keeping accurate data. Those who worked with me knew I expected them to work with excellence. That’s what the Lord expects from us.

So, when I read today’s verse in Zechariah, I thought to myself that God wanted Zechariah to make sure he was accurate in putting down this information. When you read the verse, you may wonder how this applies to you. Well, I go back to our basic premise about Scripture – every word is inspired by God. Therefore, it was important to Him that the twenty-fourth day of Shebat in Darius’ second year be noted. Don’t miss that.

APPLICATION

Application time! How accurate are you? What do you let slide in your walk with Christ? I am not saying you need to be legalistic and do things out of rote habit. No! What I am saying is you need to do everything you do with excellence. Immediately, I think of Colossians 3:23-24. “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

Did you catch that? It is the Lord Christ whom you serve! You do not represent just your family, your employer or your church. You represent Jesus. I promise if you are working to please Him, everything else will be covered. If there are things you are doing to “cut corners,” examine them. Don’t do anything that would reflect bad on our Lord.

My dad always taught me to do things right the first time. I watched him meticulously hang wallpaper and wall murals. He would painstakingly smooth out every wrinkle and make sure the pattern was matched perfectly. I want to do the same with my life. I want my life to match up perfectly with Jesus. I want to show others how to live their lives surrendered to Him. And you?

Thank You, Lord, for showing me how to walk perfectly on this earth. Help me model Your lifestyle to others.

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Abiding, Bible, Disciplemaking, Following, Perseverance, Prayer, Rescue, Safety, Scripture

WHAT DO YOU DO IN A STORM?

JONAH 1:11

“So they said to him, ‘What should we do to you so that the sea will become calm for us?’—for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy.”

Our family lived in Lakeland, Florida for several years and had the grand experience of several hurricanes. It’s funny how you react to those things. For the first storm, we followed all the precautions and had our little hurricane kit ready. By the time we went through our seventh or eighth, we hardly paid them any attention. But storms need to be heeded.

The sailors now know that Jonah is the cause of this storm. His God, Jehovah, has stirred up the waves and wind. So, naturally they assumed Jonah had the answer to quiet the storm. This God of Jonah’s could surely stop it as fast as He started it.

APPLICATION

God will allow storms in our lives to get our attention. How long those storms last depend on our response to Him. Have you been a storm a long time? Maybe you need to stop and look at what God is trying to teach you. Are the winds ripping at you every hour? Turn to Him and ask Him what it is He wants you to do.

There really isn’t any other way to respond to storms in our lives. Remember, everything that touches you as a child of God goes through His hands first. That storm that seems to never cease has passed through His approval. That may sound horrible, but it isn’t. Those storms are meant to drive you to your knees where you are the closest to Him.

It is so true in my life that I never feel as tall spiritually as I do when I’m on my knees. Prayer is like a fresh breath. It invigorates you and energizes you. And when I am in prayer during a storm, I feel His presence. I know He is right there with me. Join me.

I don’t like the storms, Lord, but I trust You in them. I know You have not lost sight of me even in the tallest waves.

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Accountability, Affliction, Bible, Death, Judgment, Perseverance, Praise

ONLY TEN?

AMOS 6:9

“And it will be, if ten men are left in one house, they will die.”

When I read this verse, I immediately thought back to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Do you remember that story? The angel of the Lord appeared to Abraham and told him He was about to destroy those cities because of their wickedness. Abraham finally asks him would He destroy them if just ten righteous men were found there. I just wonder if Amos is thinking of this same story.

But here in verse 9 of Amos 6, Amos turns it around and says God is going to destroy them no matter the number. Ten men may be all that’s left in a house, but they will die. God’s mercy has come to an end right here. All the wicked and disobedient must come before the Lord and face their judgment.

APPLICATION

Don’t be in that ten! Don’t push God’s mercy. He will, at some point, make you accountable for your sins. I bet those ten never thought they face death or exile. But here it is. We too must face it. Don’t let it get to this point. Repent!

We may think we are getting away with sin. We haven’t been caught in the act. We are sneaky. But sin has a way of manifesting itself. Before you know it, we incorporate that sinful pattern into our lives. We may hide it for a lifetime, but it will be exposed.

I come before the Lord each morning and confess my sins. Notice I said sins and not sin. I pray for forgiveness and ask for direction. It should come as no surprise that I do that. I am in this world, just like you. I pray that all my sin(s) are unintentional. But sin is sin. It all needs to be repented. 

Lord God, forgive me when I have fallen. Pick me up and give me a new heart.

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