The words “persistence” and “perseverance” have been on my mind and heart lately. I believe God has been shaping my character in these two areas over the last number of years.
To some persistence and perseverance may seem like the same thing. To me there is a difference.
Perseverance
Perseverance is the “keep on keeping on” part of life. It is not giving up when things are tough or seem overwhelming.
Over and over again during my 15+ years of being a pastor I have been taught the need to persevere.
Whether it has been personal issues, church issues, family issues or health issues, God has taught me to “keep on keeping on.”
There have been times I have wanted to pack it in and quit whatever I am doing but God has always given me the strength to get beyond the moment and to persevere. I am very thankful for that!
Persistence
Persistence is staying true to the course that God has laid upon our heart. It is continuing to move forward even when things are uncertain because we know that we are on the path that God wants us to be on.
Persistence for me lately has been following through on all the incredible things that God has been teaching me over the last 5 years. I know that God has done some serious work in my life and I need to be persistent in moving forward in these things.
One of the biggest things is a new level of transparency in my relationship with Lauren and with others. I don’t want to go back to the way things used to be. I need to be persistent in making sure that does not happen.
That transparency is such an important and fulfilling part of life. We often think it’s about accountability, but it’s really about intimacy. It’s pretty hard for most of us guys, but it’s so worth it! Little beside your point about persistence and perseverance, but a good one nonetheless.
Thank you Kevin.
Jason Stasyszen recently posted…Exposing My Weak Christianity
You are exactly right about transparency being about intimacy. It sure has made a huge difference in my marriage.
Thanks for sharing Jason!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…As You Wish
Oh boy has He! In so many ways, God is showing me He is God (and I am not!)
So many things Satan has tried to throw in my way, but God has never left me. Got to keep moving forward, going backward isn’t an option.
TC Avey recently posted…A Passion For Souls
Thanks for sharing your thoughts TC!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Be an encourager today
Lovely explanation of the difference between two concepts that on the surface look very similar and yet are really complementary to one another and reflect the choice that the creator gives us. What we do with that choice is pretty much up to us, but in the end it is that choice that will define who we are and who we will be.
Stevie Smith recently posted…Google’s Over Optimization Penalty And What It Means To SEO
Yep, it is definitely about choice Stevie!
Thanks for sharing.
Kevin Martineau recently posted…A unique program for managing your debt
Very detailed post I love how you distinguish this post and post it with the right execution.
Thanks for sharing Nicole!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Pioneer Camp Contest
I like this post as it describes the difference of the two. Those two will be powerful if we take it on a positive way.
Thanks for sharing Mika!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…4 fun filled days in Victoria
These are two very powerful words, great post and lots of things to think about, thank u
Thanks for sharing ella!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…2 strategies to help curb your kid’s habit of blaming
A thought provoking post and topic indeed. It makes me think about my problems, giving me new hopes (or reasons to keep hoping?). Thanks!
Thanks for sharing Julie!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Are you giving your best to God?
Lately my son who has just turned three has been pushing my wife and I by not listening and saying no. Of course we have to discipline him. So we do and tell he Jesus does not appreciate the way you are acting. Then he goes and disobeys us again… We have been very persistent at this. Then after about a week that felt like a year of his attitude being horrible he listened to us and looked at me with those eyes and says “so I want make God sad”. At that point I realize we are getting through when sometimes we feel like giving up.
That is a great example of persistence Adam.
Thanks for sharing.
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Pioneer Camp Contest
I normally think that perseverance and persistence almost mean the same thing. Glad to have read your post and now I kind of know how to distinguish these two words. I would like to say that what I’m experiencing more right now is persistence – since I have it in my mind, heart and soul to keep moving forward even if I don’t know what God has in store for me.
Felicia recently posted…2012 Irish Open final table is set!
What you are describing is definitely persistence Felicia. Keep persisting!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Do you see God’s presence in the people around you?
Yep. Perseverance and persistence are key growth words…a part of maturity, consistency. Since we never know what is in the future that will surround us and our many others, we must be on alert and aware at all times. To do so, perseverance and persistence will prepare us.
Joanne Norton recently posted…MARY MAGDALENE — Final Lenten Monologue
Yes they definitely prepare us Joanne!
Thanks for sharing.
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Pioneer Camp Contest
Funniky enough I’m just reading Seth Godin’s The Dip, great book funny and to the point… it’s all abount knowing when to quit which falls nicely to mine inreading your post about perseverance and persistence Kevin, thanks for sharing, check Seth’s book if you have not already read it… I think you will like it
Sadie-Michaela Harris recently posted…Social Search is Visible Marketing on Steroids!
I have the book Sadie and have read a bit of it but I definitely need to pick it up again.
Thanks for sharing Sadie!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…2 strategies to help curb your kid’s habit of blaming