Perseverance...

When I was first saved, I was blessed to have the woman who lead me to the Lord disciple me (one-on-one) for over 2 years. I grew up knowing there was a God out there somewhere, but never had any idea I could have a personal relationship with Him. And I certainly never knew there were answers in the Bible that were relevant to my life today!?!

Well, Grace slowly introduced me to Jesus and His Word…and showed me that every question, every trial, every piece of wisdom I was seeking could be found in the pages of that ancient book! Every week, as we met for coffee – I would bring my 8 1/2 x 11 note pad with my latest list of questions…and together we go to the Bible and find answers. To my amazement…they were ALL in that one book!

I came to love the Word, to hunger for it, to want to know what God had to say about things – rather than what the world was telling me. And over time, it lead me to what I now consider my “life verse”…you know that verse that – over and over again – seems to be perfectly applicable to the circumstances of your life?

My life verse is Romans 5: 3- 5. As I was thinking about that Scripture and the key word that God has highlighted in my life – I decided to do a “keyword search” on BibleGateway.com and see what verses came up for the word perseverance!

Enjoy the journey through these Scriptures as you get a picture of what God means when He call us to persevere!!! (To be steadfast, strong, intensive, unremitting – Vines Expository Dictionary)

  1. Romans 5:3
    Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
  2. Romans 5:4
    perseverance, character; and character, hope.
  3. 2 Corinthians 12:12
    The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.
  4. 2 Thessalonians 1:4
    Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
  5. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
    May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
  6. Hebrews 12:1
    [ God Disciplines His Sons ] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
  7. James 1:3
    because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
  8. James 1:4
    Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
  9. James 5:11
    As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
  10. 2 Peter 1:6
    and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
  11. Revelation 2:19
    I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
    Revelation 2:18-20 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) – references as as found on BibleGateway.com

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ref: Identity and Destiny Blog Post: February 26, 2013, by Pam Wolf