Perseverance

Perseverance

PERSEVERANCE

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:2-4

Perseverance is the key to every great accomplishment because nothing of lasting value has ever been achieved without it. Industrialist Henry Ford is one of the great success stories of American history, but he failed in business five times before he succeeded. A Ford Motor Company employee once asked his boss the secret of success, and Henry Ford replied, “When you start a thing, don’t quit until you finish it.”

The path ahead of you is strewn with obstacles. People will oppose you. There will be financial setbacks, time pressures, illnesses and misfortunes. Some of the biggest obstacles will be from within you: self-doubt, insecurity, procrastination, and worry. You must give yourself permission to succeed. When we persevere through adversity, we win the approval of our Lord Jesus Christ, who told the suffering church at Ephesus, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:2-3).

Perseverance is a refusal to quit. It’s falling down 100 times and getting back up 100 times. We need to remember that perseverance is not a matter of forcing doors to open; it’s standing in front of the doors as long as it takes before God chooses to open them. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The race doesn’t go to the swiftest, but to those who don’t give up. People give up or give out when they feel depleted – when they physically, emotionally and spiritually run out of gas.

When going through adversity, watch out for pessimists, mockers and toxic personalities. Beware of people who try to talk you out of your dreams and goals. Spend time with optimists and encouragers. Never give up. Persevere to the end.

Prayer: Ask the Lord for the inner strength to persevere till you break through.

Scriptural Reading: Romans 5:1-11

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Perseverance