This week, we continue to look at the character trait of perseverance and how it relates to our daily lives during times of trials and adversity knowing that it produces character for us to become more like Jesus. These times will come for all of us as we walk through this life and lead those whom God has given us to lead. We must always remember God’s Word with His commands and promises. He loves to hear us claim and pray His Word back to Him. During times of trial, I do not believe that there could be a more important prayer than Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid of the, for the Lord your God is the One who goes before you. He will never fail you nor forsake you.” What a promise to us personally to know that God will go before us and will never fail nor forsake us during these tough times.

James Dobson wrote an incredible book entitled, When God Doesn’t Makes Sense, and in it he makes this statement, “We must determine in advance that we will continue to trust Him, even when He doesn’t seem to make sense.” This is what perseverance is all about in the Christian life and spiritual leadership. These are times when we do not know the answer, cannot solve the trials ourselves and must trust Him. The middle verse in the Bible must become a working principle in our lives: Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in men.” Remember that the boat won’t sink, the storm won’t last forever and we will get to the other side.