Perseverance throughout our lives

What enables us to stand up to tests and to face challenges in the Christian life with patient endurance?

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 2 Corinthians 12:12

When we think about the period immediately following Christ’s resurrection and ascension, when the apostles flourished in ministry and the church was born, it’s easy to imagine the “signs and wonders and mighty works” that were performed—and to wish we had been there to see them, to have our faith strengthened and our ministry furthered by them.

Without question, both the quality and quantity of supernatural events in that time were special and unrepeatable. The apostles were supernaturally gifted in a way that contemporary Christians are not. But the early church didn't base its faith on these experiences. We must not solely concentrate on the miracles, but also consider their context: those filled with God's Spirit were immediately motivated to comprehend and proclaim God's word, which enabled them to exhibit "utmost patience" or, as some translations put it, "great perseverance" throughout their lives. What built the church was not so much the miracles of the apostles as the faithful, bold endurance of those apostles.

Paul did not want the focus of his ministry to be on the many marvels he performed or the significant trials he endured but on the resolute faith God had given him and the truths he preached. Observing Paul’s ministry, seeing his burdens, and hearing the cries of his heart, it’s easy for us to see that the signs and wonders God performed through him were not meant to be flashy exhibitions of Christian showmanship. They were born out of suffering and adversity, took place in a life stretched to the limit, and underlined the truth of the message.

Knowing this context would have caused Paul’s followers to ask not so much how he did such miracles but how he could demonstrate such steadfast faith. How could he carry on with “utmost patience” while suffering? His unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and his understanding of God's word were the only things that sustained him.

What enables us to stand up to tests and to face challenges in the Christian life with patient endurance? Is it miracles? Signs? Wonders? No—while God’s special favor may be a help to us at some point, it’s actually a solid, experiential grasp of basic Christian doctrine that will undoubtedly be the light to our path when all else seems dark (Psalm 119:105), the root of faith that runs deep, and the anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19). When God’s truth settles in our hearts and minds, we can say with confidence, “How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent word!” **

What will sustain you? It is not outer experiences but inner faith. The Spirit’s work within you will always be a greater miracle than anything God may do around you. May others look at you and see not just the wonders He works in your life, but also requires your utmost patience through trials and the power of His Spirit as you submit to the truth of His word.

Article by Alistair Begg / Truth for Life Ministries

Image by Unsplash (Wix)

** Anon. (possibly Robert Keene), “How Firm a Foundation” (1787).