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.

James 1: 2-4-NIV

Have no doubt, God will test your faith.  It is what he does, not for malicious intent nor for his own entertainment, but rather to refine and strengthen the character of those he loves (Deuteronomy 13: 3-4; 1 Peter 4:12; James 1: 3-4).   In times of testing, victory comes through perseverance.  Speaking to this theme of testing and perseverance, the late author, Maya Angelou, once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.  In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”   The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word ‘perseverance’ as, “Steadfastness; persistence in any enterprise undertaken, in spite of opposition, or resistance.” Perseverance is refusing to quit because you are bored, endangered, or offended. 

Consider this, Noah persevered in the face of ridicule, as he obediently built the ark according to God’s specifications (Genesis 6), Joseph persevered amid great personal hardship (Genesis 39), and Moses persevered, not fearing the King’s anger, as he led the Israelites out of Egypt (Hebrews 11:27).  In fact, the Bible is filled with examples of heroes of the faith who persevered to the very end of their lives (Hebrews 11:13).  In order to thrive spiritually, we too must persevere. 

What is your greatest challenge today?  What kind of testing are you going through?  Think about it for a moment, it ---just ---may ---be your greatest spiritual gift.  Rather than resenting it, embrace it by faith, ask God to fill you with his strength so that you may endure.   Turn the whole situation to the One who knows the end from the beginning, and may His unending grace surround you as you face this test and any others that life might throw your way.  And with the Holy Spirit as your helper, and Jesus on your side, know that you are already victorious in him.

Victorious God and King, thank you for your protective cover over my destiny.  I know that all things, good and bad, work together for good in my life because I am called according to your good and holy purpose.  Give me the grace to endure every test that comes my way.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.