Press On Anyway: Embrace Perseverance in Your Faith Journey

Our journey of faith is often marked by moments of excitement and enthusiasm. However, amidst the highs, we must also prepare ourselves for the lows and challenges that may come our way. Let me share a story that illustrates the importance of perseverance in our faith walk.

A Chance Encounter on the Trail

I opened the squeaky screen door to the rustic bunkroom and walked across the wooden floor. There, I saw the high school graduate from Tennessee sitting alone in a chair staring out the window. He was wearing a brown cowboy hat, a pair of shorts and no shirt. His bulging chest and arm muscles were a sure sign that the young man liked to work out. The sun’s rays coming through the window gave away the smeared tears that were still wet on his cheeks. I could tell he was tough but it looked like hiking 30 miles of the Appalachian Trail got the best OF him instead of getting the best FROM him.

I asked if he was okay. He wasn’t. Apparently, he didn’t realize what he was in for when he decided to hike the Appalachian Trail. He was lonely and missed his family, friends and girlfriend and wanted to get off the trail. He couldn’t see doing it for several months. The bigger problem he faced, however, was that he was hiking the trail for a charity cause- the same charity where his uncle served on the board. And to make matters worse, he just discovered that his mother contacted the local newspaper about his hike and the feature story about him was already in the newspaper. He thought about the ramifications of quitting and agonized over what to do.

The young man only had two options: dig down deep inside and suck it up or quit and face those ramifications. Only he could decide.

I encouraged him the best way that I could. I told him he had the physical ability to do it. I talked about setting short term goals so the task wouldn’t seem so overwhelming. I shared how I had to mentally block thoughts of loved ones and friends out of my mind because the pain of separation was too much to bear at times.  I encouraged him to focus on what he was out here to accomplish and to finish what he started. Regardless of what he faced physically, mentally, emotionally – even spiritually – he could press on and persevere anyway.

An Example of Perseverance from Scripture

My fellow hiker’s struggle reminded me of the perseverance of Paul. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, Paul recounts the hardships he faced: “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

Despite these incredible challenges, Paul pressed on. He didn’t give in or give up. His faith and determination serve as an inspiring example for us. Paul faced immense trials but remained steadfast, demonstrating that perseverance is essential in our walk with Christ. This is what he had to say near the end of his faith journey: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul couldn’t have done that without perseverance.

We all go through times in our faith journey when we feel like giving in or giving up. These moments of difficulty are just part of the walk. But God calls us to persevere, to keep pressing on despite the challenges we face.

Maybe you’re facing something in your life right now that is tempting you to give in or give up – maybe even give up on God. Let me encourage you to dig your heels down a little deeper in the mud and hold on. It is a test. Pass the test.  Just like my fellow hiker did. I never knew what happened to him until three months later. I was delighted to learn he made it all the way to the end, completing the entire 2200-mile hike.

The Lord wants to see you make it to the very end of your faith journey. Here’s a few suggestions to help you along the way:

Action Steps for Perseverance

1. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus and the Prize: “Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Remember that our ultimate goal is not just to endure but to finish the race strong, knowing that our perseverance will be rewarded in the end. James 1:12 tells us, “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.” There’s a crown awaiting you. So pass the test!
2. Take One Step at a Time: When faced with challenges, take things one step at a time. Focus on the present moment and trust that God will provide the strength and wisdom you need for each day’s journey. Remember Psalm 54:4: “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
3. Anchor Yourself in Prayer: Start each day in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength for the journey ahead. Pray not only for yourself but also for fellow believers who may be facing their own struggles.

Perseverance is key in our walk with Christ. The trials we face are not meant to break us, but to build us up and strengthen our faith. Don’t let whatever is tempting you to give in or give up get the best of you. Keep pressing on anyway. The journey may be tough, but the reward is great. By anchoring ourselves in prayer, taking one step at a time, and keeping our eyes on Jesus and the prize, we can overcome any obstacle and grow stronger in our faith.