Roman 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
“Perseverance” is persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Character is forged in the furnace of suffering through the process of perseverance. Those who give up too quickly come out as useless and unfinished products. The attitude in the furnace of the tests and trials mold our resilience, resistance and reliability. The VIA Institute’s research paper on character building states that perseverance helps to improve skills, talents, and resourcefulness as well as build character strengths. Persistent people are often seen as people who follow through on commitments.
Moses started his life as a short-tempered assassin. He murdered an Egyptian and fled into the wilderness as a run-away convict. But the gracious Lord God spoke to the man hiding behind the bushes and called him to deliver His people from slavery. Leading ½ a million people who have been under the cruelty of bondage and with the slave mentality was not easy. Moses was not covered by a team of prayer warriors who prayed in faith every time they faced a challenge. He was surrounded by slanderers and rebels who complained and criticized. They even contemplated stoning Moses when there was no water at Rephidim (Exodus 17:4). Again, they wanted to stone him to death when the 10 spies brought a bad and evil report about the Promise Land. Yet, through these dreadful seasons of testing, God was forging the character of Moses.
Moses started his career as a hot-tempered man but ended his calling with a testimony from the Lord as the meekest man on earth. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face (Numbers 12:7-8a). Moses was frustrated with the grouchy hoard but never gave up. He persevered as their father, prophet and pastor. Perseverance fashioned him into an honourable leader.
Perseverance forges Character:
- Commitment: Perseverance through the hard times develops commitment.
- Control: Perseverance is the bridle that controls our emotions.
- Character: Perseverance produces character.
So never never never give-up.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, give me the strength to press on and persevere through the storms and severe trials and come out shining as pure gold. Amen.
Leave a Reply