One of the hardest qualities for me to fully develop has been perseverance when facing day-to-day activities. I’m not sure why, but I have found that it is easier for me to face cancer treatments than a laundry basket some days! This is likely an extreme case, but probably all of us have been overwhelmed by a task at some point in our lives. Sometimes just putting one foot in front of the other and taking the steps to get past the troubles can be daunting and it takes extreme willpower to move forward. These are the times when God’s blessing of perseverance can provide us with that extra boost.
Perseverance is the characteristic of stick-to-itiveness, to “keep on keeping on”. It is the little train who kept saying, "I think I can, I think I can" and finally got up the hill. It is the old adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again..."
Long distance runners do not generally begin running 27 miles at first. Instead, they often practice a couple of miles and then build up to 3 miles, then four, until they are finally able to run a marathon. They work on techniques they can control such as the right shoes, the right gait and rhythm for their particular body build, and proper workouts and muscle building exercises in order to prevent injuries. Professional runners ensure that they take in the correct calories prior to a race and are hydrated to prevent muscle cramps. All of these activities are designed to better enable the athlete to finish the race successfully.
The same is true of the Christian race. Our journeys toward the goal of heaven are not spent by waiting until the last minute to run, hoping that we know what to do and how to do it by sheer luck or determination. On the contrary, we should prepare just as an athlete prepares by reading material that will increase our knowledge (God’s Word) and then put this knowledge into practice. We should continue to grow stronger as we learn, step by step, as we run our paths daily in preparation for the greatest race of our lives: our eternal home in heaven with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as well as our fellow saints who have endured to the end.
How can we prepare for this race? God’s Word provides us with the answer.
We must have the knowledge of God’s Word in order to know what is required of us. To know the truth and be sure that we have been taught correctly, we must study the Word for ourselves. “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
We must put into practice what we have read and seek to live according to God’s law of liberty. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me (Paul), or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9
We must be prepared to train others for the race by teaching them of Christ and of the joy we have within us because we are saved. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” I Peter 3:15
We must acknowledge each setback we experience due to our own sinfulness and seek forgiveness of these sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
We must realize that our training will likely be difficult because only by these trials can we become stronger. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
We must have faith that no matter how inexperienced or weak we may feel, we must never give up the race. Thankfully, we have examples in the Bible of those who kept their faith through the direst of circumstances and were rewarded greatly afterward. “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:11
We must remember that Christ was willing to run the race as well and that we are not left alone to fight the battle ourselves. Jesus paid a great price for the burdens he bore for our sins. He did not enjoy his suffering, yet he endured it in our stead. “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
We must remember that our hope lies in finishing the race. If we begin preparing only to give up later, we are in a worst condition than we were before we started. “If they (false teachers) have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
We must remember that Christ follows us along the race, knowing how difficult it is yet that it may be conquered through Him. “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” Revelation 5:5
We must keep in mind that God waits at the finish line, ready to welcome us in. “…Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4
As we put into practice the perseverance that God provides us, we know that His reward will be greater than any struggles we have faced on earth. As Paul wrote, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.
That makes everything worthwhile, doesn’t it? Paul further encourages Christian to “keep on keeping on” in this manner: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36
Let’s be that little train that wouldn’t give up: “I think I can, I think I can…” God bless you today and always as we run the race together!
