How to Persevere in Your Faith Journey: 9 Practical Disciplines

This is my third and last article in a series exploring what it means to endure and persevere through trials while maintaining our joy and trusting in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In my first article, I discussed the similarities between ultramarathons and the Christian race, defined biblical perseverance, with specific examples of faith heroes, and shared my personal testimony of growing and maturing in the discipline of perseverance.

In the second article, I drew on multiple scriptural references to explore what the Bible teaches about the importance of perseverance and endurance.

The section below focuses on practical steps to help us persevere in our faith journey through the ups and downs of life. To read the first article, click HERE, and for the second article, click HERE.

Practical Ways to Persevere and Stand Firm in Your Faith Journey

1. Stay in Prayer

Stay in prayer. Keep talking with God. Share your feelings with Him. In the Psalms, David wasn’t shy about telling God how he felt. When something is weighing on us—when we feel sorrowful—it’s okay to talk to God about it. Prayer is communication with God. Keep that line open, not just at specific times, but also throughout the day.

As Scripture states, “He gives us more grace” (James 4:6). So, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” Hebrews 4:16.

2. Meditate on the Word

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 NIV

In explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples, Jesus stated that only those who persevere by allowing the Word of God to transform them will bear fruit for His Kingdom.

When we meditate on the Word and put it into practice, it transforms our thoughts and actions. Then, we stop falling into negative thought patterns and pity parties, which can lead us down the path of giving up and living a fruitless life.

3. Be Quick to Obey

In the gospels, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders. (See Matthew 7:24-27.)

Most of us are familiar with the parable. Two men built two houses: one was firmly built, with a foundation dug deep into solid rock. When the flood came, the waters surged but could not shake it; the house stood secure, unshaken by the storm.

The other house, however, was built hastily, with no foundation at all. As the waters rose, the house collapsed and was swept away by the storm.

This is a vivid parable that speaks not just of physical structures but of our lives. Like the houses in the parable, our lives will face storms. The floodwaters of hardship, trials, and struggles will inevitably come. It is in these moments that our foundation will be revealed.

We are called to consider the strength of our foundation.

Jesus is clear: those who hear His words and obey them—those who build their lives on the rock of His truth—will endure through life’s floods. But those who build on anything less, who hear but do not obey, will fall when the trials come.

4. Faith and Patience Tag Along Together

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6:12 NIV

Returning to the analogy of ultramarathons from the first article in this series, runners do not expect the race to end in minutes. Some races last for days, and they persevere through it because they desire to reach the finish line.

Similarly, as we wait for God’s promises to come to pass in our lives, we must combine our faith with patience. Let’s not assume that everything we believe God for will only take a minute to happen. Yes, sometimes miracles occur quickly. However, we often need to be patient and persevere through the process before we see God’s promise fulfilled.

5. Stay in Community

Finding a community is essential because it allows us to share our lives with others who will support, encourage, and honestly tell us when we are not running our race as we should be.

Ultrarunners build tight-knit communities with other runners that promote a strong culture of mutual support, encouraging one another to maintain a healthy lifestyle, train, and ultimately complete the race.

It is imperative to be an active member of a church that teaches the Word of God. Join a Bible study or small group of believers.

6. Avoid Comparison

In ultramarathons, the focus is less on speed and who finishes first and more on developing perseverance.

Avoiding comparisons helps us focus on our own path and run our race without fixating on others’ achievements. Then we won’t accept responsibilities and tasks we had no business getting involved with in the first place.

7. Practice a Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy habits not only strengthen our bodies—they also nurture a joyful, resilient attitude.

It is essential to care for our bodies through regular exercise, adequate rest, proper hydration, and a balanced diet rich in nutritious food. These choices matter. They equip us to serve well and live fully. Be intentional about avoiding anything that doesn’t build you up or align with God’s best for your life.

Avoid burnout by not overloading your schedule. Pace yourself; remember, you are running an ultramarathon, not a sprint.

I have also learned the importance of leaving white space on my calendar to give myself time to recover and process my emotions.

8. Find Joy in the Everyday

Seek out the things that bring you joy and help you stay uplifted. Scripture reminds us to remain joyful, and that joy can often be found in the little, everyday moments.

Find balance in your life—do things that honor God and also make you smile. For me, one of those small things I do is keep a gratitude journal. I don’t write in it every day, but when I do, I reflect on what I’m thankful for, and it shifts my perspective. The journal is on my phone, so it’s always accessible when I need a reminder of God’s goodness. I also enjoy taking nature walks. They relax me and offer space for reflection and prayer.

Just as ultrarunners enjoy the scenery on their run, we too can find things that bring us joy on our journey.

9. Forgive Yourself. Get Back Up

When ultrarunners develop blisters or injuries, they receive treatment and rest at aid stations before getting back on their feet and continuing along the route.

As someone who has fallen multiple times, I can attest to the faithfulness of God.

If you encounter setbacks, don’t give up. Forgive yourself and refrain from dwelling on regret. Trust God. Give yourself time to recover and heal, then get back up and keep running your race.

As Scripture says, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (Proverbs 24:16). Those who trust in God will face obstacles, but God is faithful. He will strengthen, lift them, and sustain them.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

A Word of Encouragement

If you’re going through a difficult season, meditate on this encouragement from Scripture:

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:35–36 NIV

Did you catch that? You need to persevere—keep going, stay faithful, remain joyful—and in doing so, you will receive all that God has promised.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your constant presence and unfailing love. Forgive me for the times I have not completely trusted and obeyed You.

Give me Your wisdom and divine guidance. Help me hear You clearly, trust Your Word deeply, and walk in faith every single day.

I ask that You fill me with joy and strengthen me as I continue moving forward in the direction You have called me to, until the day I see You face to face. I ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Footnotes

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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How to Persevere in Your Faith Journey: 9 Practical Disciplines