Perseverance: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

You’ve heard the phrases before, “stay the course,” “never give up,” and “keep hanging in there.” But what happens when you get tired of hanging in there or the course just flat out becomes too difficult. There are times in a persons life when perseverance is all that is left, but it just seems impossible to dig deep enough to keep going.

Every time I begin to feel this way I turn to God for strength and encouragement. Even though the path may seem difficult, I rest in the assurance that there is a Being far greater that me who walks along side me during times of affliction. He loves me, and in spite of the fact that others may fall away, He will be there through it all.

Psa 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

2Co 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

As I read the scriptures I am filled with a comfort that can only come from God. He reveals to me His love and that allows me to weather the storm just a little bit better. As I reflect on some of my struggles in life, I am also reminded of those around us who have troubles of there own. Not to minimize my own hardships, but in light of someone else’s struggles, there are times when my difficulty seems less significant.

I ran into a news story several months back that really inspired me. I have thought about it many times since then and today I feel compelled to share it. Not only did I find great concern and compassion for this young boy, I was also able to look at the struggles I have gone through and find myself eager to praise God for sparing me such agony.

It is of a young Romanian boy who was severely burned in a house fire. His mother and father were both killed. I feel the urge today to share this story because I think it is important to see an example of true perseverance.

http://www.deseretnews.com/photo/slideshow/1,5587,5166,00.html

Rom 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.