Perseverance is the ability to keep at something in spite of difficulties, opposition, and/or discouragement. At some point all of face difficulties that can be brought about by various circumstances. A death in the family, a tragic accident, a separation or divorce, a move to a new town, a physical, mental, or emotional sickness are just a few things that could lead to difficult times.
Some some individuals are faced with opposition everyday. It could be from their job, their children, or other family members and the person in the situation feels like they are at the end of their rope ready to just give up. It can be very tough when we are faced with difficulties and opposition, but one thing that can make the situation worse is discouragement.
Discouragement is when someone tries to dishearten us by taking the wind out of our sails. They will do or say whatever they have to in order to lessen our confidence or courage. In doing this they ultimately take away our hope.
Hope is having a desire with the belief in obtaining what is desired, or expectation. Again, perseverance is the ability to keep on going in spite of obstacles, difficulties, opposition, or discouragement. Suffering gives us the opportunity to bring forth perseverance. When a person is presented with an obstacle there are several things that can be done.
One thing is that the person can give in and never try to overcome the obstacle and therefore be left in the midst of their suffering. Another thing that can be done is that one can choose to take one of many detours that lead away from the obstacle. If we’re in the midst of suffering but we feel we don’t have the strength to face the situation and never work through it, then usually the problem is either denied or covered up by some form of addiction. If we choose not to give up and keep on keeping on in spite of our obstacles this process will give us experience, knowledge, and confidence. It will help us become a better person by building our character.
If we persevere and make it through the obstacle we will have gained new skills, wisdom, and knowledge that will help develop our character. When we suffer there is an opportunity to persevere. When we have hope we have the courage to know we can get through any difficult, oppositional, or discouraging time. Therefore if you are facing any obstacle at this time know that “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
TRS originally written 7-21-99
Rays of Hope 