And not only that, but we also boast in suffering—knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Ruach ha-Kodesh [Holy Spirit] who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5, TLV
Brag About Suffering? Come on! Who does that? Add to that perseverance because we’re building character? Do we even know what real suffering is? We think we’re suffering because we’re tired or have a long “To Do” list or we run out of creamer and must drink our coffee without it.
Yet, there are challenges. Illness. Financial struggles. Divorce. Racism. Death of a loved one. But do we brag about the positives of suffering? Probably not.
The other day, I watched a short video—okay, it was on Instagram—about a therapy group rallying around someone who shared a traumatic experience she was going through. The group spoke words of sympathy and encouragement. Probably what we would do, right? Maybe through in a few Bible verses.
Then one woman leaned toward the hurting woman and asked, “What are you most proud of because of this experience.”
The leader of the group said the whole atmosphere changed. The woman was able to share what she had learned while walking this tragic time. Her perspective went from fielding sympathy
—which can be overwhelming—to examining her own journey through the storm. Looking for what was positively influencing her character.
The paradigm shifted for the whole group. Where there had been focus on the sadness, there was hope.
Hope does not disappoint.
And hope is why I continue to pour out my heart and share what I believe the Holy Spirit has revealed for me each day. I do it because it helps me, and, well, writing is a gift from my Creator that allows me to process all the bad things—and the wonderful. My hope is that it also blesses others—you. That a paradigm shift away from defeat for me, would lead you toward our Father and cause one for you in your circumstances as well.
But the greater gift is being able to focus on my Abba despite the trials.
8 Attributes of a Perseverant Person
These are just my observations. I’m not any sort of professional, but I do watch for patterns and behaviors. It’s a trait of a writer. So, here goes.
People persevere because they:
- choose to hope: they choose to have hope that they will spend eternity with their lost loved one, that whatever pain they have will one day end, that challenges will draw them closer to the LORD;
- read the word: reading the Bible — not just books about the Bible — feeds our hope, strengthens us, centers us, reminds us of GOD’s truth;
- spend time with Abba — Dad: beginning with simple prayers of good morning, or a personalized version of the LORD’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), following a verse-of-the-day program along with reading a chapter of proverbs and/or psalms — then listen;
- worship: spending time in solitary and corporate worship, reminds us, with beauty, who GOD is — He is everything to us;
- practice gratitude: being thankful reminds us of all GOD has done for us in the past, and during a difficult season, it’s even more important to remember what He has done for us. The most precious, our adoption through His Son’s atonement for our sins;
- enjoy His creation: a sunrise, sunset, gentle rain on a thirsty land, a child’s laughter, GOD’s miracles simple and majestic, they cause us to pause and notice and take in the beauty and wonder;
- reach out to others: even in our lack, we can make a difference in others’ lives, even if it is to simply smile at a harried cashier, giving up a choice parking spot to another, baking cookies for a neighbor or a casserole for someone getting surgery, a phone call, reaching out to others helps us persevere during our challenges.
- don’t do it alone: helping others is important, but asking for help is important, too. Cultivating a relationship with a small but dependable circle of trusted, spiritually mature friends or leadership is important. Sometimes we just need a hand.
These are attributes I’ve noticed in those who persevere—who can “boast in their suffering”. They shift me from focusing on myself and my circumstances changing my perspective to looking up and discovering what my Father might be doing in my life—my character. That I can see a deeper level of hope I’ve never understood.
