A one-word reminder as you struggle in your trials

Tom Harper May 19, 2025

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Do you ever find yourself needing to be re-encouraged when a new challenge careens into your life?

Sometimes, when I'm bearing something heavy, it's like I have spiritual amnesia. I resemble the despondent father who pleaded with Jesus, saying, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24, NIV).

I've heard many promises that God is with me, that Jesus has overcome the world, that I should be strong and courageous, that I should be still.

I've heard them over and over, and yet I need to hear them again and again.

Maybe that's why the Holy Spirit so often speaks to our worries, from Old Testament to New. He knows we're forgetful, weak and fearful. He knows how human we are.

Here are two familiar Scriptures I've recently revisited (in the NLT). They've been the reminders I've needed.

First, from James:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:2-4, NLT).

The following passage in Romans helps shed more light on this relationship between joy and endurance:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Rom. 5:3-5, NLT).

The context of each verse is of course different, but their agreement about building endurance resonates deeply with me.

If you're a leader, whether at home, at work or in church, you will go through times where your faith is tested. You will feel helpless or weak.

A single word has been on my mind lately: Persevere.

You and I can be encouraged by Scripture's many promises in this area. If we allow the Spirit to fortify our faith, he will help us endure.

Blessings,

Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
LinkedIn profile | My books

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Tom Harper is publisher of BiblicalLeadership.com and executive chairman of Networld Media Group, a business-to-business publisher and event producer. He has written five books, including Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership (DeepWater Books, 2019) as well as the Christian business fable Through Colored Glasses and its sequel Inner Threat (DeepWater, 2022). Learn More »

• Does God have a new calling for you? (by Tom Harper)
• How to pray while you’re waiting on God (by Tom Harper)
• Are you waiting on God for something? (by Tom Harper)
• The power of perseverance (by Tom Harper)

Free eBook

Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions

This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.

Download Now