While some admire the training athletes put into striving towards competing in the Olympics, as Christians we sometimes just need some encouragement during our trials.
When we read about those who the Bible said persevered, 3 passages can be found.
- In the "faith Hall of Fame" passage, Hebrews 11:27 recognized Moses for his faith.
James 5:10-11 gave Job credit for enduring his trials.
10. Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
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.Paul commended the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:2-3.
2. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
3. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
For more advise on how to persevere, the Bible gave us 2 more references.
1 Timothy 4:13-16:
13. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
14. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
16. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Hebrews 10:32-36:
32. Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.
33. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.
34. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
More guidance on perseverance:
2 Corinthians 12:12: The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance.
Ephesians 6:18-20: (King James)
18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20. For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 and 3:5:
4. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
5. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
5. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Hebrews 12:1:
1. 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.
2. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
James 1:2-4 and 5:10-11:
2. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
10. Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
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.
Revelation 2:2-3,19:
2. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
3. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
...
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.
In the end, the goal is to hear God saying "well done, good and faithful servant" as in the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30.
