Perseverance

Have you heard the adage, “it’s not how you start but how you finish?” There is great wisdom in that. Starting well is vital too, but it’s the finish line that usually trips us up. We need a clear picture, we need a plan, and to get the job done, we need a whole lot of perseverance. There’s nothing spectacular about that last “p” word but it’s usually what prevails in the end.

Often, the pathway toward significance comes through embracing the daily grind. Showing up when no one is watching or cares. Tom Brady recently attributed perseverance, not talent, to the significant things he’s accomplished. When his friends were sleeping in late and eating waffles on Saturday, he’d already clocked in 2 miles. What a guy!

The power of perseverance should be really good news. It’s an equalizer of sorts. We don’t have to be the smartest or most gifted, it’s consistency that wins the day. There will always be those who promote a new insight or shortcut but when it comes to finishing strong it usually comes down to simple perseverance.

I recently read through Paul’s letters alerted to the word, “perseverance.” Some 15 times Paul mentions the word as a quality of the Christian life. I admit that perseverance isn’t a word that I gravitate toward in studying the Scriptures. I like words like “victory,” “strength,” “assurance,” but “perseverance” isn’t at the top of the list. Yet, there is something about perseverance that gives richness and value to life. It’s through struggle that we see significance.

I think back on all the deserts I’ve walked through in my walk with Jesus. I think of all the times I’ve failed and thought I’d fallen too far. In all the times I thought for sure I’d slipped away, it was the hand of God still there holding on to me. Perseverance is rarely a pretty process. I thank God He’s not afraid of a mess.

There is struggle in the Christian life otherwise we wouldn’t have a charge to persevere. We’re even instructed to workout our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Working for and working out are two very different things and it comes down to the purpose of our perseverance. We’re not persevering to earn our salvation; we persevere because of our salvation. It’s the indwelling power of God’s Spirit that perseverance is possible. As we are refined through perseverance, the beauty of our salvation is revealed.

In the Christian life, we need a clear picture, we need a plan, and a willingness to persevere. We workout our salvation but we do so knowing that God has us in His grip. Why the call to persevere? Because it reveals the value of our salvation. It’s not about proving how good we are but how good God is!

When we think about tools to help us persevere, the greatest resource we have is the person of God’s Spirit within us. “Help me, God,” are 3 words I say often and a great place to begin. Other prayers and studying the Scripture are essential too. But there are other resources that we don’t always consider. Writing out our struggles is a great way to process and seek the Lord’s wisdom. Finding a trusted friend to share with is another. Don’t be discouraged by the struggle. It’s in the process of perseverance (no matter how messy it gets) that we discover the beauty and sure foundation of our salvation.