Finding the Courage to Go On

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NKJV)

Perseverance is a necessary part of overcoming things. Perseverance is having the courage to take one more step when our body says, “No,” and our mind throws in the towel. 

Godly perseverance means holding on to the truth even in the face of opposition. 

Perseverance empowers us to hold on through one more storm because the strength to stand up for what is right comes from God.

Godly perseverance is more than having the willpower to keep going when we become tired, it is letting God have control over our mind and spirit to do what is right regardless of the pressure to compromise. Paul wrote, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

But where do we find the strength to go on when we’re worn out and feel we’ve been pushed past our limit? 

The book of Isaiah tells us, “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) You see my friend, when we are weary and faint of heart, we can look to God for the strength to keep going.

True strength doesn’t come from the concentration of our own will, but instead, it is a gift from God. 

We cannot look for strength within ourselves alone; we must find our strength in Him. When we give our worries and fears to God, He will give us the strength we need to persevere.

 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)

By trusting that God will provide the strength we need, and persevering through the dark and desperate miles, we can overcome the things in our life. Jesus said, “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 (NKJV)

We acquire perseverance when we find our strength in God, and when God becomes our strength, we can overcome anything that happens in us or to us.