Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV
An Eagle’s Story of Perseverance
Towering above the walking path near our home, in a massive tree next to the creek, is an eagles’ nest. In spring, when the trees are still bare, it’s easy for my husband and I to spot the eagle family, suitably named The Majestics, as we walk by with our dog. Now, though, at summer’s end, the foliage is dense, so pinpointing the nest can take a bit more time. Still, catching a glimpse of the feathered residents sitting regally over our heads is always worthy of the pause and effort.
The people in my neighborhood never tire of watching the eagles and sharing their observations with each other. This year, however, the happenings were extra special to talk about because three baby eaglets (triplets!) safely hatched and matured in the nest.
Over the summer, we watched the parents swoop in with dinner as their offspring screeched competitively for “first dibs.” Then, as the babies grew larger, becoming feathered in deep brown and black, we’d see their shadowy silhouettes perched on the nest’s edge and observe their short test flights to nearby branches or rooftops in our neighborhood.
Sometimes, Mama Majestic would fly a short, watchful distance away to rest in a nearby tree. Like any mama, she surely becomes weary of the noise and antics from her brood. I’m always happy to see her getting some rest and solitude because I know her life hasn’t been easy these past few years…
Her Years of Hardship
In 2022, the mama’s previous mate, along with their three eaglets died from the avian flu, which is primarily transferred through consuming infected birds such as ducks and geese. Local birdwatchers and wildlife officials knew they had died because an eagle cam (a live, streaming camera) is set up near the nest. Mama Majestic left the nest after her family died and our neighborhood wondered if she would ever come back.
Thankfully, she did return with a new mate, and they filled their nest with another three eaglets in the spring of 2024. Then, another tragedy struck. While the mama and papa were out getting food, there was an awful storm with very strong winds. Those watching the live video feed were shocked to see the nest and the eaglets toppling over and being blown from the tree! Later, when the parents arrived back at the tree with dinner, their home and family were gone. Watching them on the eagle cam footage as they look around bewildered is heartbreaking.
Miraculously, a crew of quick and caring rescuers found all the eaglets alive. Bird experts temporarily took them off-site to examine and care for them. Meanwhile, volunteers constructed a temporary nest on a raised platform to try and reunite the family. The babies, declared unharmed, were returned to the makeshift nest within 24 hours, but unfortunately, their parents did not accept the new home. So, ultimately, the eaglets went to live at a local bird rehabilitation center until they could live on their own. You can watch a short video about the storm hitting the nest and learn more about the eaglet rescue mission at this YouTube link from WHO13 News in Iowa.
Inspired to Learn from Examples of Perseverance
This summer, as I celebrated with Mama Majestic over the safe and complete maturity of her latest newborns, I thought about her journey and example of perseverance. Like her, all of us eventually find ourselves facing adversity. It’s not optional, it’s a given because we live in a fallen, broken world. And, even though Jesus said we would have many trials and sorrows in this world, it is still quite a difficult thing to accept.
Our troubles come marching in as health battles, financial pressures, relationship failings, mistakes, hurts, losses…all of which bring us unique pain and suffering. In our weariness, we may start doubting God’s goodness and faithfulness. We might wonder why he is letting this happen, if he cares, and if his help will ever come. Maybe we think about giving up on God and our hope in him. These are not uncommon questions or thoughts. Even the famous evangelist, Billy Graham, who led millions of people to salvation through Jesus, spoke about becoming discouraged. He said:
The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’ ~Billy Graham
Like us, Billy Graham faced hard times, but he modeled perseverance through them all by relying on his faith.
Perseverance in the Bible
In the Bible, we can read stories of many other inspirational people who also chose to hold fast to their faith while facing overwhelming difficulties. Just a few examples include: Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Job, Noah, Hannah, Esther, Paul the Apostle, and Jesus Christ. And, in addition to these role models of perseverance, the Bible also provides a treasure trove of verses which stress the importance of not giving up. So, it stands to reason that if God gave us so many fine examples and wise words about perseverance to learn from, then he must want us to persevere as well.
Over the summer, I kept wondering about how Christians persevere. I thought about what I have heard and read, witnessed in others, and done myself to keep going in hard times. I researched what the Bible says about perseverance too. After some time, I started a list of faith-filled ways to persevere which I hope continues to grow. Having this list to refer back to has helped me, and I hope sharing it here helps you too! (Note: The words in blue are linked to Bible verses on BibleGateway.com. If you view them, the back arrow/button should return you here.)
Here’s what I’ve been learning lately:
4 Faith-filled Ways to Persevere through Hard Times:
(1) Persevere by counting God’s blessings–past, present, and future
Remember past blessings:
Memories can bring reassurance that God works all things together for our good. For example, we might remember the people, resources, and events he brought together during a hardship to provide for us. Or, the ways he used our struggles to transform our character, heighten compassion, or give our lives new meaning in some way. God works within our trials–nurturing faith, helping it grow until the very end–so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Reviewing past blessings can bring comfort, help us pin a purpose to the pain, and keep us standing firm on his promise to finish the good work he started in us.
Appreciate present blessings:
When we notice the little ways God blesses us each day, it helps us to remember he is still taking care of us. God is with us, he never leaves us, and he will carry us through every difficulty. Remaining alert and curious about how God might be at work in our present circumstances helps us stay encouraged, hopeful, and thankful. Present blessings help us continue to worship God with praise and live with joy.
Look forward to future blessings:
As believers in Christ, our ability to persevere is also strengthened by anticipating the joy that awaits us in heaven. God’s Word promises heaven brings us no death, sorrow, crying, or pain; a great inheritance; and the lasting presence of God with us. The blessings of our past and present compel us all the more to keep pressing forward toward the spiritual rewards waiting in our future.
Reflect:
Can you remember a difficult time when you felt powerless to help yourself? Did you notice God working in unexpected ways? Who or what did he use to carry you through that time? In what big or small ways has he blessed your life lately?
(2) Persevere by turning toward God’s help and relying on him
Turn toward God’s help:
When life disappoints us, it is tempting to doubt or walk away from the faith we have in God to help us. But, giving up on God does nothing to encourage our hearts. It is in these dark moments that we need to summon our resolve all the more to fight for faith. Like the Bible character David, who courageously faced many foes and fears, we can choose to turn toward God with our pain and suffering. We can come boldly to God and share our needs and feelings honestly. Praying for his comfort and guidance in our difficulties uplifts our spirits and helps us persevere.
Rely on him:
Relying on God in an unreliable world means choosing to trust him again and again, even when faith feels shaky. We might demonstrate our choice to trust him through actions such as: pursuing learning from the Bible, seeking supportive resources among his people, humbly praying for wisdom, or devoting time to worship. As we continue relying on God in every aspect of our lives, the Holy Spirit can enlighten us with understanding about our challenges and how they might be used to deepen our relationship with God.
Reflect:
Do you purposely turn toward God in your hard times? What are some things you do to protect your faith and to rely on his companionship?
(3) Persevere by loving the way God made you. Share the uniqueness he gave you.
Love the way God made you:
The Bible says, “You are God’s masterpiece.” He planned your creation, designed you with great care, and made only one of YOU. Be determined to persevere through life with an appreciation for the way YOUR mind, body, and soul works. Your unique personality, skills, ambitions, talents, gifts, and experiences were purposely combined for shining a light on God’s goodness.
Share the uniqueness he gave you:
All art is a reflection of its artist in some way, and we, as God’s art, have the opportunity to highlight the different features of his nature. In the midst of our hardships, we often feel tired, disappointed, even hopeless, so it can be tempting to hide from the world. Our uncertainties make us hesitant about sharing who we were made to be. But, the Holy Spirit nudges our hearts not to give up on ourselves or God; he reminds us to persevere. He helps us see our worthiness, speaks kindness over us, and shapes our character to be more like Christ’s.
Through the Spirit, our spiritual gifts are developed to help us glorify God, and our spiritual fruits or virtues such as love, joy, peace, and patience are produced. God believes each of us is a special part of the body of Christ, and he wants us to believe it too. He made us unique in the ways we can care for others, be of service, and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can persevere through hard times by focusing on what we can continue to offer God and others.
Reflect:
What unique abilities and qualities do you think God gave you to reflect his nature? How can you use them to help yourself and others persevere?
(4) Persevere by Embracing God’s Grace
God’s grace is there for you
This fallen, broken world gives us ample opportunities to be judgmental and unkind to ourselves. We are quick to soak up blame, wallow in shame, stay stuck in rejection, and demand our own unachievable perfection. But, this is not the way God desires for us to live. God’s love for you and I is the highest form of love, “agape” in Greek, meaning a perfect kind of love that is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. He is endlessly patient, forgiving, and committed to our well-being. And, in spite of our sin, he continues to shower us with blessings. God’s mercies start anew each morning and highlight his unwavering faithfulness. Every day, he offers a fresh beginning, loving care, strength, endurance, reassuring hope…any and all of the sufficient grace we need to carry us through.
Embrace it
We can persevere in hard times by opening our arms and accepting God’s generous gift of grace. With the exception of some mental health conditions, we can choose to stop being so critical of ourselves, fearful about the things we have no control over, ruminating over disappointments, and running “what if” scenarios in our minds. Instead, we can redirect our thoughts toward remembering that God’s help and love remain with us in times of weakness. He will supply us with what we need when we need it. Let his grace shelter your hurting heart. Enjoy what he offers through nature, family, friends, hobbies, and the time you spend with him. In hard times, persevere by allowing yourself to experience the joy of his daily mercies.
Reflect:
Is there an area of your life where you need to more fully embrace God’s grace? Can you find a promise in the Bible that reminds you how much he cares for you? How has his grace shown up in your life lately?
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
A Prayer for Perseverance
Dear Heavenly Father,
Life is really hard at times, and we are prone to questioning your care and presence. We need your help to persevere through doubts and difficulties. Reassure us by bringing to mind the ways you’ve carried us through challenging times in the past. Open our eyes to see the encouragement you offer through today’s abundant blessings. And, stir our hearts in anticipation of the joys yet to be discovered in an eternal life with you.
When trouble comes, help us remember to turn to you first rather than the world or our own ideas on how to “fix” things. Encourage us to trust your wisdom and sovereignty over our lives. In hard times, may we continue being grateful for the Holy Spirit’s work which shapes our character and deepens our faith.
Thank you for creating us the way you did, loving us as we are, and allowing us to tell the world about you in our own unique ways. When we are discouraged, show us how to best use our abilities to make a difference in the body of Christ. May our will to persevere be heightened by the call to serve you and others with love.
We praise you for the the grace offered each day which refreshes our spirits and fills us with hope. When we are weary, help us to endure in knowing that you are with us and your good work will be accomplished in our lives. Only by your grace, God, only by your grace do we persevere in faith and finish this race.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Press on in faith, my friends! ~ Jamie
Related Posts:
40 Bible Verses to Help you Hold on to Hope
Trusting God along the Eagle Trail: Isaiah 40:31
Embracing God’s Plan
While We Wait on God…
The Serenity Prayer: a Road Map for Peace
Considering Joy in the Setbacks
Battles, Trust, and Holding Up
A Race of Faith: soaring toward what God has in store
25 Verses from Psalms to Praise God and Encourage You
When you don’t feel like God’s masterpiece, remember this…
Defining Grace
Three Ways Gratitude Boosts Faith
Inspiring Resources:
More from the Eagle Cam (press “view livestream” then “Live” video to see current streaming)–provided by Denton Homes Iowa
What does the Bible say about Perseverance–openbible.info
A prayer for perseverance in suffering –YouTube Channel for iBelieve.com
What does the Bible say about perseverance? –gotquestions.org
How does the “testing of your faith” produce perseverance? (James 1:3) –gotquestions.org
The courage to keep going –YouTube sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley
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