Perseverance as a Spiritual Practice

Perseverance as a Spiritual Practice

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice

By Deborah Williams

 

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Perseverance.

 

Webster defines perseverance as “a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition:  the action or condition or an instance of  persevering and steadfastness.” Perseverance coupled with industry, diligence, positive attitude, determination, and flexibility; at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9). The right time is God’s perfect timing. Persevere until the appointed.

 

Is there a benefit to hard times? When all is well, we are at our peak, but every peak is prefaced by a valley. God uses situations and people to refine us. If we experience difficult situations with coworkers, we are being challenged to endure and to love others. When we have done all we can do and are expecting the best possible outcome, our challenge is to trust. Perseverance exposes and tests the quality of our character, heart condition, and faith. The good news about time and perseverance is that it provides opportunity to correct the areas that are brought to light. Unless we work through our issues and trials, we will continue to repeat the same trials until we pass the test. Challenge brings out our greatest assets We are God’s workmanship – clay in the Potter’s hand..  For we are His workmanship, created in and for good works, which God has prepared that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10).

 

While waiting for your goals and desires to come to fruition, believe your goals can be reached and you are worthy of the manifestation you desire. The scriptures counsels on perseverance: Be glad of your trials to test your faith. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return (1 Peter 1:7). Remain cheerful with a positive attitude and let go of jealousy, anger, frustration, complaining, impatience, wrong attitudes, compromises, and motives. Rise to a new level and be the person God created you to be.

Self-Assessment:

Is God in the midst of what you are doing?

How do you demonstrate your impatience and frustration when you are required to wait?

Examine your heart; are there attitudes that you need to change?

Identify your impurities, intent and motives.

How do you react when things don’t go your way?

Whose life inspires you and why?

What did you do today to advance you toward your goals?

How long will you be faithful to what you desire in your life (marriage, business, family, and livelihood)?

 

Perseverance Practices:

God is working on your behalf. Affirm “God is in control of my life; working out His plan for my life.”

 

We see the micro, but there is a bigger picture; the macro. God knows the end, middle, and beginning of your life. Spending time with God will help you to persevere and remain committed: Pray.

 

Do one thing daily that advances you toward your goals.

 

Many people are having hard times, some are struggling more than you and they continue to persevere. Be encouraged and inspired by reading, listening, and watching how others are encouraged. Success stories contain failures, perseverance, struggle, and character building. Use the experiences of others as teaching tools. In addition, find ways to encourage yourself through positive self-talk, and be aware of your negative thought processes.

 

Trust God’s timing. Enjoy your life while you are waiting with expectation for God’s appointed time, and never grow tired of doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Trials are beneficial; use them as teaching tools. God’s timing is God’s will and favor.     

 

How do you persevere when people and life challenges become difficult? Develop your own spiritual practice.

 

Peace and Much Blessings