www.bible.com/111/jas.1.12.niv
Blessed is the one who perseveres under the trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.-James 1:12
Your walk with God is all about perseverance. You will face trials and hardships in you life, but they are not what defines you. It is your ability to preserve through those trials that define you. Perseverance is the ability to keep going even when everything around you tells you to quiet and to give up. Perseverance is about endurance and you don’t gain endurance without a little pain. The writer of Hebrews concludes his section on the heroes of faith with these words. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV). When you fix your eyes on Jesus you can walk through trial or hardship that life throws your way. Not because they are not there, but because your focus is on what you have called to do and not on the snares, traps and other obstacles the devil is going to throw your way. Jesus is the key to perseverance and he will give the strength to persevere through anything if only you will trust him.