I WAS reading an article published last Dec 22 from the Dumaguete MetroPost. It was about the townmate of my wife and a family friend, the Local Civil Registrar of the town of Maria in Siquijor who passed the Bar examinations on his fourth try, after 35 years.
The article led me to think of what can happen when a person never gives up. That same write-up also led me to think about those many people I know who were on the verge of succeeding but didn’t because they threw in the towel in the ring of trials.
As someone who’s been in this world for several decades, I’ve always known that life is filled with challenges that often feel insurmountable. Whether it’s personal struggles, professional setbacks, or the weight of despair that comes with the burdens we carry, it’s easy to feel as though the odds are stacked against us.
Yet, no matter how big the challenges or how many they are, there’s one powerful truth we must hold onto — never give up.
The Bible offers profound wisdom on perseverance, reminding us time and again that we are not alone in our struggles. God provides strength, guidance, and hope when the road seems dark, and He calls us to trust in His promises even when we feel weak.
When facing overwhelming odds, fear often takes hold, trying to convince us that we are incapable or that the situation is hopeless. But the Bible tells us that fear should not control us.
In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures us, saying: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse reminds us that we are never alone. God walks beside us, providing strength when we feel weak and giving encouragement when we feel like giving up.
Sometimes, life’s most difficult moments seem to last forever. Yet, in those moments, we are called to persevere, knowing that our faith and patience will be rewarded. James 1:12 offers encouragement: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Persevering through adversity is not just about surviving—it’s about growing stronger in our faith. The trials we face are opportunities for spiritual refinement, shaping us into individuals who reflect God’s love and grace.
No matter how overwhelming the odds, we must remember that God’s power is greater than anything we face. Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
When we face challenges that seem beyond our capabilities, it’s crucial to tap into the strength that comes from God. He equips us with everything we need to overcome obstacles, even when we feel insufficient on our own.
In times of uncertainty and despair, hope can seem like a distant dream. Yet, the Bible offers a constant reminder that our hope is found in Christ, who has already triumphed over the world.
In Romans 15:13, Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Hope is not just wishful thinking; it’s the confidence that God is at work in our lives, even when we cannot see the way forward. When we trust in Him, our hope becomes a wellspring of strength.
Sometimes we may feel that we’re running out of time, or that our struggles are taking longer than we can bear. But God’s timing is perfect, and His plans for us are always for our good.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Even in the moments when things seem uncertain, trust that God’s plan for us is unfolding in ways that will ultimately lead to our good.
Ultimately, victory is not found in avoiding hardship but in enduring it with faith. Romans 8:37 tells us, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
God doesn’t just call us to be survivors; He calls us to be conquerors—victorious over every obstacle we face. The key to that victory is our faith and trust in Him, knowing that with His help, we can overcome anything.
A bright future awaits
As we face the challenges that lie ahead, we should hold fast to the truth that God is with us every step of the way. His strength is our strength, His hope is our hope, and His promises are our assurance.
Never give up.
We should keep pressing forward with the confidence that God is working in and through us. With each step, trust that we are becoming more resilient, more faithful, and more aligned with the purpose God has for our lives.
In the end, we will see the fruit of our perseverance. Romans 5:3-4 encourages us, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
And with that hope, we will walk into a future full of possibilities, knowing that we were able to face any challenge with God by our side.
Let’s keep going, for victory is within our reach.
