Whether the events and people be real or fictional, something about us is drawn to stories featuring great displays of perseverance. We take heart in learning how Thomas Edison had no less than 1,000 failed attempts at creating the light bulb before he got it right. We are inspired by Rocky Balboa, not because he eventually defeated Apollo Creed, but because he was willing to go the distance in and outside the boxing ring. We take to these stories and examples of perseverance, because at some level the need to persevere is a daily requirement in the journey of every living person.
As one aware of this reality and who himself embodied a lifestyle of perseverance, the New Testament writer Paul the Apostle, spoke often of this subject in the letters he addressed to Christian churches in the first century. With the New Testament being originally written in the Greek language, a word Paul (and other New Testament writers) used in speaking of perseverance, was hupomeno. This term is the combination of two Greek words, hupo, meaning “under,” and meno, meaning “to remain, endure.” Combined to form the one word hupomeno, this term expresses powerful meaning and imagery of “remaining under,” of endurance, of “hanging in there,” of staying put. Hupomeno is the kind of perseverance we look to have when patience is required, when a steady mind is needed, and when we must endure in the reality of hardships and trials that come.
Well acquainted with the pain and hope of perseverance, the Apostle Paul not only spoke of challenges he endured in the Christian life and ministry (see 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; 2 Timothy 2:8-13), but also his understanding of what hupomeno produces as this discipline is exercised. In Romans 5:3-4 he expressed, “…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character hope…” James affirmed the same in his letter by saying, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (see James 1:2-4). These Apostles encourage us to take the long view. From their experience they teach us that the outcome of not running from tough situations, but patiently working and seeing them through is that of realized hope and proven character.
So how is hupomeno attained? How do we muster this kind of perseverance? First and always, we look to God. To the church in Rome Paul said, “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus…” (see Romans 15:4-5). He prayed for those in Colossae to be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience…” (see Colossains 1:11). As we ask Him, God will provide the perseverance we need. And then there is our part in choosing to have hupomeno. As Paul encouraged Timothy to “…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” (see 1 Timothy 6:10-12), we too must choose to take up this pursuit.
For what do you need hupomeno today? Perhaps for dealing in a difficult work or family situation; for being in the throes of ministry, singleness, marriage, parenting, etc. For finishing a task, delivering a child, making it through chemo and radiation, or simply taking your next breath, whatever the season may be for you, I encourage you with this word, hupomeno. Remain steadfast, dear friend, and may you find in Christ the strength to persevere.