Much as we don’t like going through hardships, there are so many spiritual benefits of perseverance that we cannot ignore.
Perseverance is not just crucial for our spiritual walk, but it is in all areas of our lives. As a matter of fact, all of us, believers and nonbelievers, need to persevere in life.
But here is the thing;
For believers, there are rewards and blessings attached to our perseverance. If you are going through some difficult time right now know that God is faithful, it may not seem like it, he may feel distant, but he is faithful.
Like David, we should learn to pray, “ though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me….” Psalm 23:4
But it is so hard, you may say. Why should I persevere when God is silent?
Why should I hold on when the pain is too much, and God seems to be doing nothing?
Well, let’s look at some of the benefits of perseverance:
You Will Receive The Crown Of Life
We are told in James 1:12 that those who remain steadfast under trial and stand the test will receive the crown of life.
Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Child of God, if you have no other reason as to why you should keep believing in God and his promises, then hold onto this one.
There will be times when nothing will seem to be working, you may look around, and all you see is darkness, but please remember that at the end of it all, you will receive the crown of life.
All this is not in vain, you will reap a harvest and one that lasts forever. Remember, the things of this world are wasting away.
Perseverance Produces Character
Growing spiritually, mentally, and emotionally can be painful, but we need to choose to grow so that we can become the people God created us to be. It is through perseverance that character is produced or shaped.
But why is character important? It distinguishes you from other people.
God allows us to go through suffering to produce perseverance, which in turn produces godly character.
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: Romans 5:3-4
Remember, we are in this world but not of this world. It is by having a godly character that we can stand out from the world and be the light of the world.
Brings God Glory
You can quote scripture and preach to unbelievers, but it doesn’t mean that they will change their ways.
But here is the thing, much as these people may not share your faith, they observe what you do and measure your actions against the faith you profess.
Sometimes God will use our trials to touch and change other people’s lives.
When an unbeliever sees how steadfast you are in your faith, they will either be drawn to your faith or respect you for it.
Know that you are the only Bible some people will read in this world, and maybe your trials will bring transformation in the life of a loved one. So keep holding on and standing in faith.
Let God’s name be glorified through and in you.
In short
Much as we don’t like going through trials, we need to know that God uses them to shape our character.
Yes, even those trials that come into our lives because of our own mistakes and foolishness will be used by God to shape our character, transform other people’s lives and bring glory to his name.
Remember to endure in all that you’re going through, for at the end of it all, you will receive the crown of life.
