Perseverance
Perseverance versus Patience
Makrothuméō involves exercising understanding and patience toward persons while hupoménō (5278) involves putting up with things or circumstances.
Perseverance comes through struggle
Perseverance is looking to the future despite what the present may hold.
The pressures of pagan society, the danger of persecution, emotional reaction after a wonderful initial experience, and the apparent implication of “instant salvation,” made it imperative for Christians to understand that “by your endurance you will gain your lives”
Christy Brown, a cripple from Dublin, Ireland, was born with inconceivable handicaps. He was unable to walk, dress himself, or feed himself, talked in a guttural sound, never attended school a day in his life, but wrote a literary masterpiece that received world acclaim. In his autobiographical novel, Down All the Days, the author told the story of what it was like to be all but helpless; to be one of twenty-two children; and to live in the slums. It required Christy Brown fifteen years to write his book, for he typed it with the little toe of his left foot.
Perseverance is the fuel for the ride home.
When I go through difficult circumstances, I want the end. I’m so focused on escape and overcoming that I barely think about what God might be teaching me through that experience. And I’m certainly not thinking about how He might be using me to witness to others.
When I go through difficult circumstances, I want the end. I am so focused on escape and overcoming that I barely think about what God might be teaching me through that experience.
Perseverance is the fuel for the ride home.
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale reported on a visit with a former president of the United States, the late Herbert Hoover. It is said that President Hoover’s Christian faith and practice were commendable. During their conversation, the popular preacher asked, “Mr. President, can you state in one sentence the secret of your success in life?” Quickly he answered: “With the help of God, I never gave up.”
When we gaze upon the cross it puts everything in perspective. It becomes the focus of our gaze. From His sacrifice to the time when our redemption is complete, we are meant to live intentional lives that reflect His purpose.
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale reported on a visit with a former president of the United States, the late Herbert Hoover. It is said that President Hoover’s Christian faith and practice were commendable. During their conversation, the popular preacher asked, “Mr. President, can you state in one sentence the secret of your success in life?” Quickly he answered: “With the help of God, I never gave up.”