The Power of Perseverance: How to Keep Going When Frustration Hits

Perseverance can feel like a challenging word, especially when frustration seems to come at every turn. Yet, perseverance is the bridge between frustration and fulfillment. Often, just when we feel like giving up, we’re actually closest to the breakthrough we’ve been working and praying for.

The stories of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, remind us that delay is not denial. Both women waited years to have children, facing seasons of discouragement, yet God was silently preparing a purpose far greater than they could have imagined.

When frustration sets in, here are three ways to press on and keep moving toward your fulfillment:

1. Embrace Frustration as Part of the Journey

Frustration doesn’t mean failure—it’s often a sign that you’re on the edge of something greater. In fact, Romans 5:3-4 tells us that trials produce perseverance, which in turn builds character and hope. Embrace frustration as part of the growth journey. Like Hannah, who poured her heart out to God despite years of waiting, sometimes the struggle refines and prepares us for what’s ahead.

This week: Allow frustration to push you closer to God’s purpose. Know that He is strengthening you for greater things.

2. Take Small Steps Forward

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to feel like the big vision is too far off. But small, consistent actions often bring us closer to fulfillment than we realize. Zechariah 4:10 encourages us not to despise small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Just as Elizabeth lived faithfully day by day, trusting God even in silence, each step we take adds up over time.

This week: Don’t underestimate the power of a small action. Each small step you take in faith builds momentum toward the bigger picture.

3. Delay Is Not Denial

The lives of both Hannah and Elizabeth show us that God’s timing often brings greater fulfillment than we could ever plan ourselves. For years, they experienced the ache of delay, but when the time was right, God’s purpose for each of them came to pass. 1 Samuel 1 and Luke 1:5-25 show us that God is always working behind the scenes. A delay in our plans may simply mean God is aligning circumstances perfectly for His purpose.

This week: If something feels delayed, remember that God is working on it. Trust that His timing is not only perfect but far beyond what we could accomplish on our own.

Affirmation for the Week:

"I am persevering through every challenge, trusting that God is refining me and aligning His perfect plan for my life."

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the gift of perseverance. Like Hannah and Elizabeth, help me to trust in Your timing, even when frustration sets in. Strengthen me to keep going, knowing that You are working behind the scenes and preparing me for something far greater. May every step I take in faith lead to the fulfillment of Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As we move through this week, remember: Frustration is often a part of the journey to something extraordinary. Persevere through the challenges, keep moving forward, and trust that God’s timing is always worth the wait. This season of perseverance is refining you and preparing you for a purpose beyond what you can see.

With love and commitment to your fulfillment,

Dr. Oyindamola Okenla

Your Transformational Catalyst