When going through difficult seasons in ministry, we tend to get one of two responses when we’re seeking wisdom on what to do. I’m sure many of you have experienced hearing this: “Hold on! You can make it through!” Other times, instead of being encouraged to hold on, we’re told to start looking for new opportunities, or how to remove ourselves from the situation that we find ourselves in. So, where do we find perseverance?

In ministry, perseverance is a gift from the Lord and a recognition of His call upon our lives. Ministry is tough, there’s no doubt about it. And in today’s cultural climate, it seems to be even more difficult as we often find ourselves competing with bigger and better. The bigger and better is not always better!

Instead of being concerned with how many are in attendance, or how we can grow things, what if we helped our people catch a glimpse of who a holy God is? What if every corporate gathering of the body of Christ was a fresh encounter with the face of the living God? What if ministry, instead of being a “marathon of misery,” was a parade of joy and celebration as we witness the persevering work of Christ in and through us?

The old hymn writer said there is joy in serving Jesus, and yet it seems we have often missed the mark of having joy. Let me share just a few examples with you of perseverance in the Scriptures. You are probably well aware of them, but maybe today you just need a fresh reminder to not simply hold on, but to be able to say, “I have fought the good fight.”

Job: Enduring Through Suffering                                                                                                                      

Job stands as one of the most profound examples of perseverance in Scripture. He was a man of great faith and integrity, yet he endured unimaginable suffering. In a short time, Job lost his health, wealth, and children, yet he refused to curse God or abandon his faith. Despite his anguish, Job declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). His perseverance through suffering illustrates unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty. Even when questioned by his friends and wife, Job remained steadfast, ultimately being restored and blessed by God. His story teaches believers that perseverance is not merely enduring hardship but continuing to trust in God’s wisdom and justice.

Perseverance is not merely enduring hardship but continuing to trust in God’s wisdom and justice.

Joseph: From Betrayal to Blessing                                                                                                      

Joseph’s life is a powerful testimony of perseverance through injustice. Betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph could have easily abandoned hope. Yet, throughout his trials, Joseph remained faithful to God. Even in prison, he continued to interpret dreams and serve others, demonstrating his commitment to faith rather than despair. Eventually, God elevated Joseph to a position of authority in Egypt, where he was able to save countless lives during a famine—including the very brothers who had betrayed him. His story reminds believers that perseverance often leads to God’s greater plan, even when circumstances seem bleak (Genesis 37-50).

Perseverance often leads to God’s greater plan, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Nehemiah: Overcoming Opposition                                                                                           

Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls was met with fierce opposition from enemies who sought to discourage and intimidate him. Yet, rather than giving up, Nehemiah relied on prayer and determination, declaring, “The God of heaven will give us success” (Nehemiah 2:20). Despite threats and obstacles, he and the people pressed on, completing the task. His story reminds believers that perseverance requires unwavering faith and commitment, even when facing resistance.

Perseverance requires unwavering faith and commitment, even when facing resistance.

Peter: Failing and Rising Again                                                                                                                 

Peter’s journey illustrates perseverance despite failure. He famously denied Jesus three times, a devastating moment that could have led him to despair. However, after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter repented and was restored, going on to be a foundational leader in the early church. His story demonstrates that perseverance is not about never failing but about rising again after mistakes and continuing in faith.

Perseverance is not about never failing but about rising again after mistakes and continuing in faith.

Paul the Apostle: Pressing on in Faith                                                                                                         

Few biblical figures exemplify perseverance as vividly as Paul. He faced imprisonment, shipwrecks, beatings, and constant persecution, yet he remained devoted to spreading the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 4:7, he writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His determination was not driven by personal gain but by a desire to glorify Christ and fulfill his calling. Paul’s story teaches believers to remain faithful regardless of difficulties, knowing that God strengthens those who persevere.

Believers must remain faithful regardless of difficulties, knowing that God strengthens those who persevere.

Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Example of Endurance

Jesus embodies perseverance in its purest form. Throughout His ministry, He faced rejection, mockery, betrayal, and ultimately crucifixion. Though He had the power to escape suffering, Jesus endured for the sake of humanity, fulfilling His mission to bring salvation. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” His perseverance was fueled by His love for mankind and His obedience to the Father. His life teaches believers that enduring hardship often has a greater purpose in God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ life teaches believers that enduring hardship often has a greater purpose in God’s kingdom.

What do these biblical examples call us to? From Job’s unwavering trust in suffering to Paul’s relentless pursuit of the Gospel, Scripture is filled with examples of perseverance. These stories teach that enduring hardship is not merely about surviving but about deepening faith and trusting God’s plan. The Bible reassures believers that perseverance is not in vain—God strengthens those who remain faithful. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” We have been called to persevere—not in our own strength, but through the power of Christ in us.

We have been called to persevere—not in our own strength, but through the power of Christ in us.

Copyright © 2025 Lindsay Taylor. All rights reserved.