Persistence – Part 3

Are you feeling discouraged?

Perseverance is learning to continue when you feel like stopping. Romans 5 contains the secret to learning to persevere in difficult times. The Apostle Paul said, “…we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) Did you catch that sequence?  First comes suffering. Are you suffering? Okay, you’re now qualified to learn what it means to persevere. The next step is to continue. As the popular British saying goes, “Keep calm and carry on.”

But it doesn’t end there. By persevering, you develop a benefit even if your circumstances don’t change. That benefit is character: moral, emotional, and spiritual strength. Just like perseverance in exercise develops physical muscle, when you don’t give up in your suffering you develop strength of character in your soul, but there’s more! Hope comes after you’ve persevered. You realize you can face tomorrow because you’ve made it through today.

Are you going through financial trials right now? Keep living on your budget. Keep making the small steps of progress to get out of debt. Keep saving a little each day, each week, and each month. Step by step you’re making progress while gaining character and hope!

Are you overwhelmed with credit card debt? Let Christian Credit Counselors help you. They’ll create a debt management plan that works for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline: 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.