Perseverance in the Face of Adversity: A Call to the Church in America

To the Church in America Today: A Call to Perseverance

As a Christian living in America today, you may be feeling increasingly alienated and unwelcome. The opposition and even persecution that we are beginning to face are not new challenges for Christians, but they feel strange and oppressive after centuries of acceptance and even dominance in this nation.

However, we must remember that God has always called his people to persevere in the face of trials and persecution. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about perseverance, why it is important, and how we can cultivate it in our lives as Christians living in America today.

What is Perseverance?

Perseverance is the ability to continue on in the face of adversity, to endure trials and hardships without giving up or losing faith. The Bible speaks of perseverance as an essential part of the Christian life, something that we must cultivate in order to grow in our faith and remain faithful to God.

One of the central passages in the Bible that speaks to the importance of perseverance is James 1:2-4:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Here, James tells us that we should consider it pure joy when we face trials, because those trials produce perseverance, which in turn helps us to grow in our faith and become mature and complete in Christ.

Another passage that speaks to the importance of perseverance is Romans 5:3-5:

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Here, Paul tells us that suffering produces perseverance, which in turn produces character and hope. This is because, as we endure through trials and hardships, we come to rely more and more on God's strength and grace, which helps us to grow in our faith and become more like Christ.

Why is Perseverance Important?

Perseverance is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it helps us to remain faithful to God even in the face of adversity. When we encounter trials and hardships, it can be easy to lose sight of our faith and turn away from God. But when we cultivate perseverance, we are able to remain steadfast in our faith, even when things are difficult.

Secondly, perseverance is important because it helps us to grow in our faith and become more like Christ. As we endure through trials and hardships, we come to rely more and more on God's strength and grace, which helps us to become more like him.

Finally, perseverance is important because it gives us hope. When we see others who have endured through trials and hardships, and come out the other side stronger and more faithful, it gives us hope that we too can do the same. This hope helps us to remain optimistic and joyful, even in the face of adversity.

How Can We Cultivate Perseverance?

So how can we cultivate perseverance in our lives as Christians living in America today? Here are a few practical steps that we can take:

1. Focus on God's Promises

One of the most important things that we can do to cultivate perseverance is to focus on God's promises. Throughout the Bible, God promises to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us through trials and hardships. Here are just a few examples:

• "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." - Isaiah 43:2


• "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13


• "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

When we focus on these promises, it helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when things are difficult.

2. Stay Connected to Other Believers

Another important step that we can take to cultivate perseverance is to stay connected to other believers. When we surround ourselves with other Christians who are also committed to persevering in their faith, it helps us to stay motivated and encouraged.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Here, we are encouraged to meet together as believers, to encourage one another and spur one another on in our faith. This can take many forms, such as attending church, participating in small groups or Bible studies, or simply spending time with other believers.

3. Practice Gratitude

Another important step that we can take to cultivate perseverance is to practice gratitude. When we focus on the things that we are thankful for, it helps us to remain optimistic and joyful, even in the face of adversity.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Here, we are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances, not just when things are going well. When we focus on the things that we are thankful for, it helps us to remain optimistic and joyful, even when things are difficult.

4. Remember the Example of Christ

Finally, one of the most important things that we can do to cultivate perseverance is to remember the example of Christ. Jesus faced incredible trials and hardships during his time on earth, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and ultimately gave his life for us on the cross.

Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Here, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured incredible opposition and hardship yet remained steadfast in his faith. When we remember his example, it helps us to remain steadfast in our own faith, even when things are difficult.

Conclusion

As Christians living in America today, we are facing increasing opposition and persecution. However, we must remember that God has always called his people to persevere in the face of trials and hardship. By focusing on God's promises, staying connected to other believers, practicing gratitude, and remembering the example of Christ, we can cultivate perseverance in our lives and remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of adversity.

May we all be encouraged by the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

May we all strive to live out these words in our own lives, and may God give us the strength to persevere in our faith, no matter what challenges we may face.