Perseverance

Perseverance is to keep going  

in spite of difficult obstacles.~values.com

As I write this post, the 2012 Olympics is happening. Besides all the wonderful athleticism, the Olympics are fun to watch because they allow us to see emotions ranging from joy to heartbreak and everything in between. It's a chance to watch athletes who have trained for years--and some their entire lives--for an event that often only lasts minutes.

Some athletes leave family behind to train with professionals.

      Some athletes endure hardships and overcome injuries to compete.

           Some athletes are so completely focused on the competition that it becomes
               their life--the only life they know.

What do some very famous people say about perseverance?

"Never, never, never give in." ~ Winston Churchill 

“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize 

how close they were to success when they gave up.” ~ Thomas A. Edison

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” ~ Babe Ruth 

What does the Bible say about perseverance?

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. 
Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, 
perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. 
Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, 
which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. ~ 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NLT)

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved*, 
he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 
~ James 1:12 (NASB)  [*approved: passed  the test]

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation
brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; 
and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, 
because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts 
through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~ Romans 5:3-5 (NASB)

We should pursue perseverance. We are blessed when we persevere. We gain character which brings about even more good things in our lives. Romans 15:5 also tells us that God gives us this perseverance.


So, whether we are...
     training for a marathon, 
     enduring an illness or other trials, 
     job hunting or raising kids, 
     trying to read through the Bible in a year,
     or just trying to be more like Christ, 

perseverance is something we can ask God to give us. The reward for this perseverance may not be a gold medal, but the blessings we receive will provide eternal reward.


I hope one day that I can say just as Paul said: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (1 Timothy 4:7).