Perseverance means steadfastness and persistence, especially in the face of difficulties or setbacks.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT) Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. Jesus was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up!

AS CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS WE NEED TO PERSEVERE IN LIFE AND OUR CALLING DESPITE HARDSHIP AND TEMPTATION BECAUSE IT STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH IN GOD, FULFILLS HIS PURPOSE IN US, AND LEADS TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND ULTIMATELY TO ETERNAL REWARD.

WHAT WERE THE SECRETS TO JESUS PERSEVERANCE?

1. JESUS KNEW HE WAS LOVED BY THE FATHER.

John 15:9-10 (NIV)"Just as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love . . ."

1 John 3:1 (NIV)"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

2. REMEMBER WHO I AM!

"I am…the Light of the world…the Son of God…the Way, the Truth and the Life…the Bread of life…" Mark 14:62, John 6:35, 8:12, 14:6

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) "Jesus said, 'You are the salt of the earth…and you are the light of the world…don't hide your light!'"

3. KNOW WHO I'M TRYING TO PLEASE!

John 5:30 (TEV) "I am not trying to do what I want, but only what my Father who sent me wants."

Luke 16:13 (NIV)"No one can serve two masters…"

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) Paul: "I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am only trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I wouldn't be Christ's servant."

4. KNOW MY CALLING

Jesus knew His calling. His purpose. His mission!

John 8:14 (NIV) "…I know where I came from and I know where I'm going."

James 1:8 (GW) A person who has doubts is thinking about two different things at the same time and can't make up his mind about anything."

Ephesians 4:1 (NIV) I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

5. FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST

Luke 9:51 (LB) As the time drew near for his return to heaven, he moved steadily onward toward Jerusalem with an iron will."

Jesus was focused on that ONE Thing and was all in with Iron Will!

Luke 9:62 (LB) "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God."

HERE’S WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHALLENGE YOU TO DO WITH THIS!

Look to God to find your purpose. How? By spending time in prayer and His Word!

Luke 22:39 (NIV) It was Jesus' habit to go out to the Mount of Olives to pray, and his disciples followed him."

Luke 5:15-16 (NCV) News about Jesus spread even more. Crowds came to hear him and to be healed…but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray.

Luke 22:39 (NIV) It was Jesus' habit to go out to the Mount of Olives to pray, and his disciples followed him."