"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" (Rom. 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 inside of 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" (Rev. 2:2-3). That, I'm sure, is the same
commendation Joseph received from God when he passed the perseverance test.
Perseverance is a refusal to quit. It's falling down 100 times and getting
back up 101 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. We need endurance in order to deal with the stress of
adversity. We must maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty
of rest. 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, blamers and toxic
personalities. Beware of people who try to talk you out of your dreams and
goals. Spend time with optimists and encouragers. Seek out people of faith.
Persevere to the end.
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