How to Develop Perseverance
What person or situation do you wish would simply disappear from your life to make things easier? As much as we might like to twitch our nose to make that happen, we can also know God knows what is going on and has a plan for the good, the bad, and the hard.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
On the morning of the Super Bowl the pre-game show starts well before we make it home from our church gathering. Normally I am not into watching all the pregame interviews and touchy pieces that strum all your heart strings, but my wife is all about them. In fact, after she watches them she feels such a connection to the teams that she is totally tuned in to the game (and that is why I make sure she watches them)!
What’s interesting about almost all the pregame monologues is that there is a celebration of perseverance. They always find the players with the most unlikely path to stardom, or they highlight the people who had to overcome unbelievable adversity to get to where they are.
I fear though in our society we tend to celebrate perseverance only looking in hind sight. What would it look like for us to be households that celebrate the building of perseverance in our children even at a young age?
- Perseverance is a long game. A good chess player is able to see the coming attacks and counters before they happen. Each play is made with the future in mind. This is the mindset that as parents we need to instill upon our kids concerning perseverance. When our kids fail or experience disappointment, we need to be looking for the ways to give them perspective and point them to the value that can be gained even in these difficult times.
- Perseverance is means to a greater goal. “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” Romans 5:3-5. As families we need to remember learning perseverance can allow us to come to a fuller knowledge of the love of Christ. In this way, perseverance is a good gift we can give our kids.
- Troubles are going to come for us and our kids. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” John 16:33. Jesus knew that even after his death and resurrection life would still be hard. But He gave hope by setting himself as the example. We can and should follow Jesus’ example and point to Him as the hope of our perseverance.
Imagine the gift we could give our children if they left our homes with a character of perseverance and seeing it as an opportunity that strengthens their walk with Christ.
CAMPER CORNER:
What is something hard in your life that you wish would just go away? Ask your parents if they have ever been in this same situation. Then ask them what good they see that came out of their tough situation.
