Just a little longer.
That’s what we keep getting told, isn’t it? It’s been about a year since our world kind of…well, exploded, and though it was concerning and the new restrictions were certainly not what we wanted, we were able to put up with all the change for the common good.
Masks, social distancing, isolation, working from home…it’s all brought plenty of challenges. But we’ve been able to power through it and make the best of a tough situation. After all, it’s all only temporary, isn’t it?
Yes – but not as temporary as we’d like.
I for one had really hoped the world would be back to normal by now. I hoped we’d be able to be reminiscing with family and friends over the tough times – while rejoicing in the fact that those particular ones were behind us finally. I’d hoped to do away with masks, social distancing, and Zoom calls as the only option for seeing people.
I’m ready to see smiles again – and whole faces. I’m ready to give hugs and handshakes, and stand closer than six feet to someone without worrying if they’ll be afraid of me. I’m ready to walk down the sidewalk, past someone else, without wondering if I should jump out of their way or risk offending them by staying.
I’m ready to go back to normal.
But that’s not where we’re at yet. For now, this is our normal – and we’ve still got to hold on. We have to wait a bit longer. How much longer, none of us can know for sure. Only that the time to put all that behind us isn’t here yet.
And until then we need to persevere.
There have been a lot of moments recently where I’ve only felt like curling up and pouring out my heart and my tears to God. Asking when I’ll get to see the loved ones I’m missing. Wondering why life hasn’t been able to go back to the way it was yet. And pleading with Him to strengthen me, because I know I’m too weak to endure these things on my own.
And in the midst of my weakness and hurts, God has met me – as He always does – with grace, love, and comfort. He’s been reminding me of all the things this past year has provided. Good things. Hopeful things. Inspiring things. So many times when I’ve watched Him work amazing outcomes from horrible situations.
This past year has been hard, but it hasn’t been all bad. It’s been draining, but it hasn’t gotten the best of us. And it’s been confining, but it’s also brought new experiences, new friendships, new lessons, and new chances to start over where needed. God has been very active doing what He does best – crafting beauty from brokenness and hope from hardships.
That reason by itself is enough to persevere. We know we have a God who won’t give up on us. Who won’t leave us to fend for ourselves. He’s working, He’s present, and He promises to stay right by our sides, fighting for us and providing for us – no matter what happens. None of it surprises Him, and absolutely none of it is too big for Him.
Though so much of me is ready for these uncertain times to end, another part of me is on the edge of my seat, watching with anticipation for the things God is going to do in them. With His help, I’m continuing to trust in His sovereignty – and persevere.
In addition to dwelling on Scriptures that explain and encourage perseverance, I’ve found it very helpful to hear what other Christians have to say about remaining strong through hardship. Today, I thought I’d share ten of my favorite quotes about perseverance, with the hope that they inspire you as much as they inspire me.
1. “Perseverance is more than endurance. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen.”
(Oswald Chambers)
2. “There is a difference between a fleshly stubbornness and a godly perseverance. The former insists on getting one’s will done in heaven, and the latter determines to get God’s will done on earth.”
(William Thrasher)
3. “Jesus taught that perseverance is the essential element of prayer. Men must be in earnest when they kneel at God’s footstool. Too often we get faint-hearted and quit praying at the point where we ought to begin. We let go at the very point where we should hold on strongest. Our prayers are weak because they are not impassioned by an unfailing and resistless will.”
(E.M. Bounds)
4. “Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.”
(Warren Wiersbe)
5. “I learned as never before that persistent calling upon the Lord breaks through every stronghold of the devil, for nothing is impossible with God. For Christians in these troubled times, there is simply no other way.”
(Jim Cymbala)
6. “Sometimes the clearest evidence that God has not deserted you is not that you are successfully past your trial but that you are still on your feet in the middle of it.”
(Dale Ralph Davis)
7. “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”
(Billy Graham)
8. “God never asked us to meet life’s pressures and demands on our own terms or by relying upon our own strength. Nor did He demand that we win His favor by assembling an impressive portfolio of good deeds. Instead, He invites us to enter His rest.”
(Charles Swindoll)
9. “With Jesus in your boat, the storms may still rock you, but you won’t sink.”
(Craig Groeschel)
10. “There is only one secure foundation: a genuine, deep relationship with Jesus Christ, which will carry you through any and all turmoil. No matter what storms are raging all around, you’ll stand firm if you stand on His love.”
(Charles Stanley)
There are so many reasons to be afraid today…to feel discouraged, beaten, and like we should just give up. But there are even more reasons to persevere. The biggest Reason of all is at our side every moment. My prayer for these coming months is that we’re able to remember that, and rest in the knowledge that everything will work out for our good.
Did any of these quotes speak to you today? Go ahead and let me know your favorites in the comments, as well as if there is a certain topic you’d like to see more quotes about. While you’re there, I’d love to hear something YOU’RE learning about perseverance!
We glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
(Romans 5:3-4 NIV)
1. I shared more of my quote collection in my previous posts: 10 Encouraging Quotes For Difficult Times, 10 Inspiring Quotes About Thanksgiving, 10 Stirring Quotes About Joy, 10 Quotes about Conquering Fear, and 10 Heartwarming Quotes About Love.
2. To receive your own printable pages of the above quotes (and the ones used in my other ‘Quotes’ posts), sign up for my email list! Simply fill in the form here, and I’ll send you PDF copies of the quote collections – as well as an inspirational short story. I look forward to hearing from you!
Recent Posts:
One thought on “10 Uplifting Quotes About Perseverance”