Life is hard! Sometimes you just want to quit. This Sunday at Family Church we’re going to look at one of Jesus’ qualities that isn’t talked about as often as some others – His perseverance. Jesus never quit, and neither should we. Webster’s defines perseverance as “the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”
Jesus’ journey to the cross and His endurance on the cross are the ultimate examples of perseverance. Think of all He went through – He wasn’t recognized for who He was; He was rejected, betrayed, threatened, and ultimately crucified. He did it all out of love. But it wasn’t easy – and that’s what we see in Luke 22:42 when Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Our walk with God won’t always be easy. In fact, it will likely be painful and difficult at times. God encourages us to persevere just like Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus modeled perseverance for us. He shows us how we too can do the work God calls us to do even when others oppose and reject us. We can finish our race without giving up!