The Power of Perseverance

     We are often impressed with those who finish first but sometimes the greatest stories are those who finish last. Bob Wieland once took ninety-eight hours to complete the New York City Marathon in 1986 and one hundred and seventy-three hours to finish the Los Angeles marathon in 2003. He finished last in both races with the slowest times ever recorded. The rest of the story is that Bob lost both his legs in Vietnam, and he “ran” those races on his hands (Book of Amazing Stories Robert Peterson, 3). He became known as Mr. Inspiration. Bob Wieland is the poster boy for the power of perseverance.
     The older I get the more I value perseverance. This virtue is one of the most important keys to life. In the Scripture, James writes “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the test of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you me be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). To effectively start a business, have a 60-year marriage, raise godly children and be successful in almost any area of life requires perseverance. The Iditarod Sled Dog race even has a Red Lantern award for the last musher to finish the challenging 1,000 miles dog sled race to mark the importance of perseverance.
     Perseverance is the path to maturity. But how do we do it? How do we develop perseverance? First, pray and ask God for power beyond yourself. The human spirit is impressive, but the Holy Spirit is profoundly more. Like the battery in a flashlight the Holy Spirit is our power source to live the Christian life. I realize this sounds a bit mystical, but He genuinely helps us take the next step when we are exhausted.
     Second, look for the rewards of perseverance. As a married couple notice, the old couple that has been together for 50 years and still holds hands. Read the stories of those who model incredible perseverance and what they accomplished. In Hebrews 11 we find the hall of fame of faith. Each name has a background story that reveals the power in clinging to God in the midst of great difficulty. Answer the why question. Why are you serving in this challenging ministry? Why are you staying with a difficult marriage partner in a tough season? God rewards obedience and perseverance. Showing tenacity leads to maturity.
     Third, seek partners in your perseverance. King Solomon writes, “For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up. . . “(Ecclesiastes 4:10). It lightens the load when you have partners in a difficult season of life. They can encourage you when you are ready to give up and quit. I know at some of my darkest moments my wife has said, “Well, it will be fun to see how God will work this mess out.” Life reveals the compelling power of plodding in the right direction. One of my favorite missionary authors Elisabeth Elliot was once asked how she kept going when her husband was viciously murdered by the tribesmen that he was trying to reach with the gospel. She said, “I simply do the next thing.” Whether that meant going with her small daughter to live with the people group that had killed her husband and share the gospel with them or doing the dishes; she simply did what was next. Eventually most of that tribe became Christians, mostly because of her powerful, persevering witness.

     Hurray for the persistent plodders. Their perseverance can change the world.

Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church