“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
The Hidden Ingredient in Every Lasting Movement
“What makes a great disciple-maker?”
It’s a question that has been asked by many passionate followers of Jesus.
Some say it’s love for the lost. Others point to prayer, boldness, or leadership skills. All these matter deeply — yet one quality sustains them all: perseverance.
Perseverance is not glamourous. It doesn’t attract applause or social media followers. But it’s the fire that keeps burning when every other light fades. It’s the courage to stay faithful when fruit seems invisible, when doors close, and when your heart feels heavy from disappointment.
Disciple-making is not a sprint; it’s a marathon through valleys, deserts, and storms. Those who endure discover that God does His deepest work in our most difficult seasons.
✝️ 1. Jesus: The Perfect Example of Enduring Through Hardship
No one modeled perseverance better than Jesus.
From the very beginning, His ministry faced fierce opposition. He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11), rejected by His own hometown (Luke 4:28–30), and constantly misunderstood by the very people He came to save.
At one point, even His family tried to restrain Him, thinking He was out of His mind (Mark 3:21). The religious leaders plotted His death, and the crowds that shouted “Hosanna!” later screamed, “Crucify Him!”
Yet Jesus never deviated from His mission. He said,
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” — John 4:34
He pressed on despite exhaustion, betrayal, and pain. Even on the night of His arrest, He prayed for strength, not escape: “Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42).
That is perseverance — unwavering obedience fueled by love.
And it was through this perseverance that the greatest movement in history began.
2. The Early Church: Fire Forged in Trials
The book of Acts is not a record of ease — it’s a record of endurance.
After Pentecost, the church exploded in growth, but persecution followed almost immediately. Stephen, full of faith, was stoned to death. Saul dragged believers from their homes. Many fled for their lives.
Yet, what Satan meant for destruction became divine multiplication:
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” — Acts 8:4
Philip preached in Samaria. Peter shared the Gospel with Cornelius. Paul and Barnabas traveled through hostile cities where they were beaten, imprisoned, and mocked — yet they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41).
Their perseverance turned persecution into progress.
Their pain became the pathway for the Gospel to reach nations.
The early church didn’t grow because life was easy. It grew because disciples refused to stop proclaiming Jesus — no matter the cost.
3. Modern Disciple-Makers: Enduring Faith in Every Generation
Throughout history, every great move of God has been built on the back of perseverance.
In the 1700s, John Wesley faced ridicule, rejection, and physical attacks for preaching outdoors — yet his persistence sparked a revival that shaped nations.
In China, after decades of persecution, believers continued to gather secretly in homes and caves. Today, millions worship Jesus because of their steadfastness.
In parts of Africa and the Middle East, followers of Jesus endure poverty, danger, and rejection. Some walk miles each week just to meet for worship. Yet they persevere with joy, knowing the Gospel is worth every sacrifice.
Perseverance is not unique to any culture — it’s the language of all who truly follow Jesus. Every Disciple Making Movement (DMM) that endures is carried by men and women who refuse to let circumstances silence their obedience.
They keep sowing seeds, even when the soil looks dry — because they know God brings fruit in His time.
4. When the Road Gets Tough — Don’t Stop Walking
Every disciple-maker will face moments of doubt and weariness. You may have started with fire and vision, only to meet resistance that quenched your enthusiasm.
Maybe the people you trained lost interest.
Maybe your community rejected the message.
Maybe you’ve prayed for months, even years, with little visible result.
But God sees your perseverance — and He honors it.
Here are six moments when you must not give up:
- When your witness is ignored — Keep sowing truth. Jesus’ parable of the sower reminds us that some seed falls on good soil — but only the sower who keeps scattering will find it (Mark 4:1–20).
- When your prayers seem unanswered — Keep praying. The persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8) was not commended for eloquence but for endurance.
- When you feel forgotten — Remember Joseph, who was imprisoned for years before God’s plan unfolded. Your hidden obedience is never wasted.
- When people criticize you — Recall Nehemiah, who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls despite ridicule and threats. He refused to come down from the wall until the work was done (Nehemiah 6:3).
- When disciples fall away — Think of Jesus, who lost many followers yet invested deeply in a few faithful ones who later turned the world upside down.
- When progress is slow — Be patient. A seed takes time to sprout. Faithfulness today will become fruit tomorrow.
Perseverance is not stubbornness — it’s faith stretched over time.
5. The Reward of Perseverance: Fruit That Lasts
James 1:12 promises,
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.”
Perseverance doesn’t just change your circumstances — it changes you.
It deepens your roots, strengthens your faith, and builds resilience in your character.
When you persevere:
- You learn to depend more on God than on results.
- You become a model of faith for new believers.
- You develop patience that keeps you steady through storms.
Paul’s ministry was filled with tears and trials, yet at the end of his life, he declared,
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
That’s the reward of perseverance — to stand before the Lord knowing you didn’t quit when it was hard, but trusted Him all the way.
Reflection and Prayer
Reflection:
- Where are you facing discouragement in your disciple-making journey?
- How might God be using these challenges to shape endurance in you?
Prayer:
“Father, strengthen my heart to stay faithful when the work is hard.
Give me the perseverance of Jesus, the courage of Paul, and the endurance of the early church. When I grow weary, remind me that Your promises never fail.
Help me finish the race and see a harvest that glorifies Your name. Amen.”
Join the Conversation
Are you walking through a tough season in disciple-making or church planting?
How has God sustained you through trials?
Share your story in the comments. Your testimony might ignite hope in someone ready to give up.
Key Takeaway
Tough roads don’t break true disciples — they build them.
Keep walking. Keep sowing. Keep believing.
Because the God who called you will surely bring the harvest.