Life comes along with its share of ups and downs, challenges and victories, highs and lows. No matter what happens, we must push onward and move forward. Luckily, there are countless Bible verses about perseverance — scriptures that can inspire us even in our most difficult moments.
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We see perseverance in the Bible through the lives of Mary, Jesus’ mother, through Daniel, Moses and many other biblical heroes of the faith. Scripture on perseverance can be seen surrounding Christ’s own life and death as well.
Lessons on perseverance in the Bible show us that simple steps can have the most impact. As we explore Bible verses about perseverance, remember to start by believing, praying and trusting that God has your back.
There are also many movies right here on Great American Pure Flix that can encourage us and give us hope for hard times in our own, personal lives. We'll look at some examples as we go through each Bible verse about perseverance.
Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
As we seek lessons about perseverance in the Bible, we must remember Jesus’ two commands: love God and love others. It takes commitment to live these values out, but when we do this we find ourselves living as God wants.
In "Mr. Manhattan," Mason has chosen a fast-paced and career-oriented lifestyle in the heart of New York City. This lifestyle has left him no time for his faith or family. When he unexpectedly is made guardian of his brother's two children, Mason has to learn that in order to love them as God commanded, he must first turn to God.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
When we observe perseverance in the Bible, we see a powerful message that tells us not to lose heart. It’s sometimes hard to take the advice in these scriptures on perseverance — particularly the idea of fixing “our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,” yet it is by looking to God and our reward in the afterlife that we live our best and most authentic lives.
In "Run the Race," Zach has a hard time praying after his mother passed away. He can't understand how God is working in his life for good. Zach's brother encourages him to keep praying and trying to talk to God and rely on "what is unseen" through his trials.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
This scripture on perseverance reminds us that prayer is essential. We must be joyful, prayerful and faithful, even when life is difficult. Simple Bible verses about perseverance have the power to remind us that mere hope can get us through the most harrowing of times.
In "Finding Faith," Victoria is overwhelmed by life at the moment: her mother passed away, her marriage is crumbling, she feels pressure at work and her father is sick. Though she's relied on God and had a firm foundation in her faith all her life, she feels like she can't see or hear Him anymore. A pastor in her hometown helps remind her to carry on in hope, patience and faithfulness.
Luke 21:19 (NIV)
“Stand firm, and you will win life.”
In a fractured and difficult culture, we might sometimes find ourselves feeling alone in our convictions. Lessons on perseverance in the Bible remind us, though, that standing firm in God is how we “win” at life.
We face many choices every day, but Bible verses about perseverance remind us that it is God’s Word that we should look to to make the right choices and follow His plan.
In "The Abigail Mysteries," Abby is looking for hope after a chapter of her life has recently ended. Her friends and family encourage her to look to scripture to find where He is moving in her life. These scripture verses lead her onto an adventure she never would have imagined without God orchestrating it all.
READ ALSO: BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS EVERY DAY WITH THESE BIBLE VERSES & MOVIES
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Never give up. That’s the message at the heart of Galatians 6:9. This scripture on perseverance is a good reminder for those of us who feel we keep doing the right thing, but that we never seem to yield any rewards.
Perhaps we are overlooked or mistreated, even as we live our lives as Christians. Or maybe it feels like we are doing everything in vain. As we study perseverance in the Bible, though, it is clear that we are called to live for Christ and not to “become weary in doing good.” In the end, we must fix our eyes on God no matter what and keep pushing onward.
Olivia Golden learns this lesson on perseverance in "Divine Influencer." As a social media influencer, she believes she is indeed doing good in her life and helping her followers. It isn't until she goes to work at a local rescue mission that she learns the true meaning of influence.
James 1:12 (NIV)
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under 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 is one the most targeted Bible verses about perseverance, imploring us not to give up even when we face trials. Again, we are reminded of God’s promises for staying true to what truly matters. When we embrace God’s love amid a world that continues to deny it, we set ourselves on the right and proper course.
In "Birthright: Outlaw," Reverend Jeremiah has always relied on God and never had a reason to doubt his faith. When his wife reveals a secret about her life he never knew, his faith is tested. He has to ask himself if he can forgive Martha Rose and show her the same mercy and love of Jesus Christ that he has known his entire life.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)
“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13 again reminds us not to get tired when it comes to “doing what is good.” This scripture on perseverance is one of the simplest Bible verses about perseverance — yet it’s just the tiny reminder many of us need to remember the importance of looking to God and not relying on ourselves.
In "The Blind," Phil learned this lesson of perseverance in a very difficult manner. Phil heavily relied on his own talents and skills and never gave control over to God. It wasn't he was stripped of everything he knew and loved that made him turn to God for help. After his reconciliation and conversion, he committed to always relying on God and never relying on his own capabilities.
Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
This scripture on perseverance is yet another reminder that God has rewards for those who persevere and who continue to love Him. When we do this and live in His will, we are set on course for eternal success.
READ ALSO: 38 Powerful Bible Verses For Overcoming Life’s Struggles
Bryce in "Miracle of Manchester" always knew and loved God. So when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor, he had faith that whatever was to come was God's plan. It's his perseverance in faith that granted him a miracle for his life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
We all have our struggles. Sometimes, it’s hard to understand why or how God allows certain things to unfold. Other times, we battle an issue and we seek to understand God’s heart on it.
This scripture on perseverance, though, gives us the most important advice of all: “Trust in the Lord.” Rather than trust our own understanding, Bible verses about perseverance remind us to seek God, submit to Him and rely upon the Almighty to walk with us throughout our lives.
Hannah in "Just in Time" is going through some difficulties in her marriage and tries to lean on her own knowledge and comprehension in order to understand why these trials are happening. With the help of a new friend and adventures, she's able to see how important it is to submit control to God and give Him the space to do the work.
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
No matter what happens, this scripture of perseverance reminds us to always arm ourselves with God, keeping Christ at the center of our lives. If we want to make it through spiritual challenges and defeat temptation, we must look to Bible verses about persistence.
We can also see perseverance in Jason, Ben and Sam in "Legacy Peak" when they are suddenly cast into a dangerous situation where they must rely on each other and God in order to bring them back to safety. They must rely on the courage and strength that comes from the "full armor of God" in their trials.
Life can be difficult, but these scriptures on perseverance remind us that, if we keep God as our baseline, the sky's the limit surrounding where we can go and what we can accomplish. For more encouragement and inspiration, sign up for the Great American Pure Flix Insider weekly email newsletter.
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