We don't use the word perseverance much. Instead we say, "Hang in there." We have heard stories of athletes who have seemingly come to the end of their endurance but somehow hang in there and discover reserves of energy and determination. They finish.

Two passages about perseverance come to mind. The first is from Romans: "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance" (5:3). The second is from James: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (1:2,3).

Interestingly both passages welcome—even rejoice in—suffering and trials. That's not what we normally think. No one wants to suffer or experience trials. Our human inclination is to avoid suffering, certainly not "rejoice" and "consider it pure joy." Yet God tells us not just to endure suffering but also to find joy in it.

Of course, he doesn't mean that we should look for ways to inflict pain on ourselves. Some have attempted to do that hoping that the more they suffer the better their chance to please God and receive his blessings. No, suffering comes in the ordinary course of life in this fallen world. When it comes—and it will come to all of us—rejoice, because it helps us persevere.

Explore with me a few applications of the principle. First, realize that God, by his grace, has declared us forgiven in Jesus, made us his children by faith in Jesus, and promised that we are heirs of heaven. He encourages us to "be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).

So how do we persevere and hang in there until death? Our suffering is part of God's plan. At times individually as believers we experience the unwanted pain of disease or the tragic heartbreak of loss. As we endure the suffering, we may be tempted to blame God or give up on his care. But each pain and difficulty is a reminder of what life is like here. Moses said, "[Life's] span is but trouble and sorrow" (Psalm 90:10). This is not all that God has in store for us. He has promised more: forgiveness, life, and salvation. Our troubles force us back to God's promises. We hang in there! In the pain, depression, and anguish, we take the next step and go ahead, even if we don't understand how God can keep his promise that everything will work out for our good. Rejoice!

I think that suffering may also work to help groups of Christians persevere. A local congregation faces threatening troubles. Certainly the congregation can give up, hiding from the challenge. But the trouble also brings the opportunity for members to pull together, focus on the one thing needful—the gospel—and their opportunity to proclaim it. Trouble helps them work together as disciples of Jesus.