Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:10
Perseverance in the Christian life isn’t always exemplified by dramatic leaps forward. Paul reminds us of this in his letter to the church in Philippi (see Philippians 3:13-14 above). His image is not of someone sprinting ahead, but one of intentionally placing one foot in front of the other, choosing, over and over again, not to quit.
This same spirit is echoed in Revelation 2:10. Faithfulness isn’t a feeling, it isn’t about perfection, it isn’t instant, and it certainly isn’t passive. It’s endurance. Faithfulness is magnified in perseverance, in remaining steady when fear rises, when the way grows dark, when our strength feels thin. Perseverance is the courage to continue trusting when our circumstances offer every reason to turn back.
Perseverance isn’t only about moving ahead, though. It’s often about refusing to retreat. It’s the deliberate choice to cling to what God has already spoken… when our emotions have us feeling otherwise. It’s holding onto promises when progress seems invisible, and guarding the ground the Spirit has given us, even when we feel too tired to take another step. I have been there, friends.
We have to examine our spiritual endurance, not to shame ourselves, but to recognize the moments where our grip loosens and our hearts waver. When we reach the places where we’re tempted to give up, we have to remember: the race is not won by the quickest but by those who faithfully endured to the end. Victory in the kingdom of God is not measured by speed or outward success, but by steadfastness shaped by grace.
So, we are called to press on. We have to hold fast. We need to strain forward – sometimes boldly, sometimes trembling – but always trusting that the One who calls us is the One who keeps us. The crown promised in Revelation is not for the flawless, but for the faithful. Our perseverance, imperfect as it may be, becomes an act of worship and a witness to the sustaining power of Christ.