Which other Bible verses encourage perseverance in difficult times? Anchor Verse: Proverbs 24:10 “If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength!” Steady Strength in the Old Testament - Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - 2 Chronicles 15:7 – “But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.” - Psalm 27:13-14 – “Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!” - Psalm 37:24 – “Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.” - Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak... those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” - Habakkuk 3:17-19 – “Though the fig tree does not bud... yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! GOD, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer...” Running with Endurance in the New Testament - Romans 5:3-5 – “We... rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope...” - Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18 – “We are pressed on all sides, yet not crushed... Therefore we do not lose heart... our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond comparison.” - Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” - Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” - Colossians 1:11 – “Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully...” - Hebrews 10:35-36 – “So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” - Hebrews 12:1-3 – “Let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus... so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” - James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance... so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - 1 Peter 5:10 – “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace... will Himself restore you, make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness...” - Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Shared Themes to Notice • Strength comes from the Lord, not from self-reliance. • Trials, though painful, are purposeful and temporary. • Waiting on God renews stamina and hope. • Jesus and past saints model finish-line faithfulness. • Eternal reward outweighs present suffering. Putting Perseverance into Practice 1. Recite Joshua 1:9 when fear surfaces; remember God is with you. 2. Follow Habakkuk’s lead—worship before circumstances change. 3. Keep your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) to cut through discouragement. 4. Keep sowing good seeds; Galatians 6:9 promises a harvest to the persistent. 5. Encourage others with 2 Corinthians 4:16-18—affliction is momentary, glory eternal. |
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