The major theme in my life right now is perseverance. That being the case, I thought I'd visit the trusty dictionary.com for a definition of this loaded word. I found myself encouraged and infused with strength from my visit. Who knew the dictionary could provide that? :) I've included the definition and some synonyms below. I've italicized the stuff I found particularly delightful.
perseverance [pur-suh-veer-uhns]: - noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 2. Theology: a continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
Synonyms:
1. Doggedness, steadfastness. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on. Whether used literally or figuratively it has favorable implications: a bulldog quality of tenacity; the tenacity of one's memory.
2. Guts, moxie (which implies courage, hope, and spirit...), pluck, spunk, stamina, steadfastness, immovability, stick-to-itiveness
This word occurs more than thirty times in the NT alone. There are countless references to steadfastness throughout the Bible. Incidentally, this is a favorite word of mine and the chosen title of a devotional I hope to write one day. :) Here's the Greek definition for you:
ὑπομονή (hü-po-mo-nā')
1. steadfastness, constancy, endurance
a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his
loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
b) patiently, and steadfastly
2. a patient, steadfast waiting for
3. a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
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