PERSEVERANCE
Collins English Dictionary definition: n. “the quality of continuing with something even though it is difficult."
PERSEVERANCE - It’s the name of the game. Wanna play? I suppose my answer depends on the day.
I am a swimmer and when I begin my workout, I can’t think about the number of lengths ahead of me. The first few laps are the hardest until I’ve found my rhythm but even at the halfway mark I fight the urge to cut it short and call it quits. One stroke at a time is the only way to get through it and staying the course is the reason I’m there. Only when I’ve finished am I FULLY satisfied.
Perseverance requires endurance in spite of lethargy, pain or hardship. Some days it takes a Herculean effort to put one foot in front of the other. Since perseverance is about staying the course for the long haul, we will quickly lose heart if we focus on the full distance we have to travel. Parents of a newborn will be overwhelmed from the get-go if they are told how many hours of sleep they will forfeit. A student at the threshold of their post-secondary studies will be paralyzed by the workload required unless they concentrate on the courses at hand. An athlete will feel defeated if their training is eclipsed by the threat of unforeseen injuries. The key is to take one day at a time and focus on what’s immediately before you. Accept right now that disappointment, hardship and suffering will come (that’s just life) but take heart and trust that none of it will be wasted. In fact, rest assured your character will be refined. Perseverance will have its way with you. Determine the outcome will be positive.
The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to ask for our daily bread, not just physical food but strength for the day and hope for the future. If we fix our eyes on our circumstances, we will falter. If we fix our eyes on Jesus, we will be sustained. Let’s join with the Apostle Paul and determine this day to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Phil. 3:14.
As you sit with this word, think of a time in your life where you persevered in the midst of difficult circumstances. Recall what it was like in the thick of it. How did you manage to stick with it? How did it feel afterwards to have stayed the course?
Now think of something in your life right now that you want to stick with until the end. Visualize the goal. What is required to achieve it? Ask God for the will and the resolve to press onward, one step at a time. Ask God to rivet your mind’s attention and your heart’s affection on Him and to enable His resurrection power within you to see it through.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“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. And hope does not disappoint because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:2b-5
“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
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when s/he has stood the test, s/he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
Cathy Leyland is a spiritual director and budding writer. Though born and raised in the Deep South, Cathy has lived in Canada for 33 years. She is a retired career coach and lives on the water in Vancouver with John, her husband of six years. You can read more of Cathy’s Weighty Words on her website - Reflections on the Water, at cathyfortleyland.com.
