After Paul has provided an explanation for each piece of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 he tells us that prayer is just as important of a tool to use in our fight as we stand firm. But that is not all. He proceeds to tell us to be alert with all perseverance. 

Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

There is great value in perseverance for the Christian, and there are wonderful examples from the scriptures to prove this point. Take a look: 

1. Job is a prime example of perseverance in the Bible. He was a prosperous man living in the land of Uz who possessed great wealth and a loving family. However, he lost everything—his children, livestock, and health—in rapid succession due to a series of disasters. Despite his immense suffering and the urging of his wife to “curse God and die,” Job remained faithful and patient, never renouncing God nor blaming Him for his misfortunes. His persistence and faith were ultimately rewarded when God restored his health, gave him twice as much wealth as he had before, and blessed him with more children.

2. Noah also displayed exceptional perseverance. When God saw the wickedness of man and decided to cleanse the earth with a great flood, He commanded Noah to build an ark and gather two of every kind of animal for preservation. Despite the magnitude of this task and the ridicule he likely faced from those around him who did not believe in his prophecy of the impending flood, Noah faithfully obeyed God’s command. He spent many years building the ark and was rewarded for his perseverance and obedience when he and his family were spared from the flood.

3. Abraham was another man in the Bible who demonstrated great perseverance. God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land God would show him. Despite not knowing where he was going, Abraham obeyed. God promised him numerous descendants, but he and his wife, Sarah, remained childless for many years. Despite this, Abraham did not lose faith in God’s promise. Even when God asked him to sacrifice his long-awaited son, Isaac, Abraham obeyed, trusting in God’s promise. His faith and perseverance were rewarded when God spared Isaac and reiterated His promise to bless Abraham with numerous descendants.

4. Paul was a man of perseverance. He was a zealous persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, Paul became one of Christ’s most dedicated and tireless apostles. Despite facing numerous hardships, including shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and eventually martyrdom, Paul never wavered in his mission to spread the Gospel. His letters to the early Christian communities, many of which were written during his imprisonments, make up a significant portion of the New Testament and continue to guide and inspire Christians today. Paul’s life demonstrates a profound example of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Perseverance is a key value in Christianity and has significant implications for believers’ spiritual and moral development. Here are some of the reasons why perseverance should be valued in Christianity:

1. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: Perseverance in trials and difficulties is often seen as a means of spiritual refinement. As stated in the book of James (James 1:2-4), facing trials with a persevering faith can lead to the development of character and maturity in one’s faith.

2. Manifestation of Faith: Perseverance is often viewed as an outward manifestation of a person’s faith in God. It demonstrates trust in God’s promises and His timeline, even when circumstances are challenging or when God’s purpose may not be immediately clear.

3. Examples to Others: When Christians demonstrate perseverance through hardships while maintaining their faith, it can serve as a powerful testimony to others. It can inspire others to adopt or strengthen their belief in Christianity.

4. Hope and Encouragement: Stories of perseverance, like those in the Scriptures, can provide hope and encouragement to us facing our own trials. They are a reminder that God is faithful and will provide the strength to endure.

5. Eternal Reward: In the New Testament, perseverance is often linked with the promise of eternal life. For example, in Matthew 24:13, Jesus says, “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” This verse teaches that perseverance in faith is not just beneficial now in this life, but it also has eternal implications.

6. Deepening Relationship with God: Perseverance in prayer, worship, and other spiritual disciplines, even during times of spiritual dryness or discouragement, can lead to a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of His nature and will. In other words, it’s good to participate in worship with the church just for the sake of being there. It will pay off in the end. So even if you don’t want to be there, come anyway to deepen your relationship with God.

Overall, the value of perseverance in Christianity is multifaceted, contributing to the believer’s spiritual growth, demonstration of faith, example to others, and ultimate eternal reward. To summarize everything… KEEP GOING and PERSEVERE! 

I love you,

Alex Mills