James 1:3-4 (NIV), “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. 

Scripture states that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, or to use a more modern term, “stick-to-it-ness”. The Greek word for “perseverance” is, “Hypomone”, meaning, “endurance, patience, standing firm”. No matter how hard it seems, no matter how difficult situations or circumstances may appear, stand firm. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:13 (NIV), “Having done all to stand. Stand firm then”. 

Abraham Lincoln, the 16^th president of America once said, “Sooner or later every man of character will have that character questioned, every man of honour and courage will be faced with unjust criticism. But never forget that it has no impact upon the truth. The only way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and be nothing. Criticism is part of the price paid for leaping past mediocrity”. 

We are not called to do nothing or be nothing, nor are we called to people who are mediocre, or melancholy. We are called to be alive, to be full of life, to be men and women of action, of courage and honour, and to be able to stand firm with great perseverance in the faith; to have a stick-to-it-ness, never giving up attitude. 

My friend, even in the midst of great trials, even in the midst of unjust criticism, to the saints of God, it should be water off a duck’s back, just shake it off, and keep on going, because His truth is marching on. When you go through all these things, while standing firm in the faith, you will come out stronger then when you first went in. You will be more mature, and have a deeper level of trust in the Lord. When we have done all to stand and persevered, we will receive from the Lord our coronation. The Bible says in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”

God bless you my friend, Matthew.