KEEP GOING: PERSEVERE IN THE HARD TIMES

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy
Spirit who was given to us.”—Romans 5:3-5

 

There are many inspiring true stories of people who have accomplished wonderful and impressive things, but rarely do we hear how hard they have worked achieving their success. Frequently, it is average people who through perseverance against insurmountable odds who attain victory.  Successful people agree that perseverance is the main ingredient in every success story.

 

Thomas Edison who invented the incandescent light bulb failed 10,000 times before he was successful.  He said, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."   I visited with another minister recently who told me that another minister we both knew had closed up his church.  I asked him, “Why do you think he closed?”  He replied, “He gave up too soon.” 

Perseverance is steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, especially in spite of difficulties or discouragement. Determination, tenacity and patience also are closely related qualities.

Many examples of this kind of resolve can be found in the Bible. Genesis gives the account of Noah who built the ark over the course of 120 years, surrounded by corrupt and contemptuous unbelievers. Moses led the hardhearted Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness. The Apostle Paul, however, serves as an outstanding example of perseverance.

Paul's ministry spanned about 30 years. During that time he took three missionary journeys. According to Christian History Magazine, he covered about 14,000 miles, mostly on foot. In two years and three months, under the ministry of Paul, all Asia Minor heard the word of the Lord Jesus, according to Acts 19:8-10. Throughout his travels Paul was constantly dealing with obstacles. Some scholars say he was stoned to death, but was revived and continued to preach.

Second Corinthians 11:24-27 describes in vivid detail the hardships that Paul endured: "From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness."   In addition to all of this, Paul always had in mind a concern for all of the churches and the people he had won to the Lord.

Throughout church history, men and women have persevered for years while suffering religious opposition and persecution. For example, Martin Luther, considered by many the father of the Reformation, preached, wrote and raised a family over the course of 25 years, all while coming under the scrutiny of the Church. 

I want to encourage you today to persevere through obstacles and tests.  Take a deep breath and say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I am a world over-comer because the faith that I need to overcome lives in me, and my victory does not rest in my abilities but the Greater One who lives in me.  It is Christ who has gotten me the victory!” 

 

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said, "Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."

 

Prayer—Father I repent of giving up to easily.  Today I refocus not on my own efforts, but the Greater One who lives in me and I trust You for putting me over every obstacle in, Jesus Name.  Amen