How do I persevere when life shows me its dark side?

Life is a long-distance race. Sometimes we run on an even road; at other times the road is on a decline, sometimes through a valley and then uphill.

“³Then he was afraid and arose and went for his life… ⁴and sat down under a lone broom or juniper tree and asked that he might die.”

1 Kings 19:3-4

If one decides to run life’s race with Jesus, it will be easy to give in when one falls into despair, despondency, and helplessness, as with Elijah. After God mightily used him to kill all the Baal prophets, he became afraid of Jezebel, who wanted to kill him, and fled for his life.

God did not abandon him:

“⁵As he lay asleep under the broom or juniper tree, behold, an angel touched him and said to him, Arise and eat. ⁸So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”

1 Kings 19:5, 8

As in the case of Elijah, God still gives us the necessary strength to run each race successfully. 

“¹Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, ²Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection….”

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Word of God has a solution and an answer to each issue that crosses our path. Let us study the above scripture in the light of perseverance:

1. Get rid of each burden, for instance, resentments, unforgiveness, offences, insecurities, etc. Therefore, anything that withholds you from advancing successfully.
2. Turn away from each sin still in your life so that you can run the race without any burdens.
3. Keep your eyes on Jesus:

1. Follow His example.
2. He ensures you that He is always with you
3. He reminds you about the eternal reward that is put away for you.
4. He ensures you that you are more than a conqueror in Christ.
5. He gave you His Holy Spirit as Helper and Advisor
6. He ensures you that you can do all things through His strength that is within you.

Conclusion

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

John 16:33

Persevere in Him!

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, unless otherwise stated