perseverance

"perseverance, translated literally, means: remaining underneath, not throwing off the load, but bearing it. We know much too little in the church today about the peculiar blessing of bearing. Bearing, not shaking off; bearing, but not collapsing either; beaing as Christ bore the cross, remaining underneath, and there beneath it-to find Christ. If God imposes a load; then those who persevere bow their heads and believe that it is good for them to be humbled-remain underneath! But remaining underneath. For remaining steadfast, remaining strong is meant here too; not weak acquiescence or surrender, not masochism, but growing stronger under the load, as under God's grace, imperturbably preserving the peace of God. God's peace is found with those who persevere." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer