Never Give Up!

“Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

I’m sure you’ve heard it many times before:  “Good things come to those who wait.” This is certainly true.  However, “waiting” does not necessarily mean that we are (or need to be) passive or inactive during our time of waiting.  That’s why “active waiting” is just another way to describe the concept of perseverance, and it’s something that truly makes a difference when we practice it.

Perhaps you know the true story of the man who lost his job in 1832.  In that same year, he ran and was defeated for State legislature, as well.  His business failed a year later (in 1833), and was finally elected to the State legislature in 1834.  His sweetheart died in1835, and he suffered a nervous breakdown in 1836.  He was defeated for Speaker of his State House in 1838, defeated for nomination for U.S. Congress in 1843, and then elected to Congress in 1846.  He lost his re-nomination for Congress in 1848, was rejected for Land Officer in 1849, defeated for U.S. Senate in 1854, and defeated for nomination for Vice President in 1856.  He was again defeated for the Senate in 1858.  But in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected 16^th President of the United States.  Now that’s perseverance!

The scripture above reminds us that no matter what challenge, difficulty, obstacle, or negative mindset we face, perseverance will usually enable us to achieve what we set out to do.  This is especially true when we trust in God to see us through -- “God plus me make a majority,” I’ve also heard it said.

So, what seemingly insurmountable challenge are you facing in your individual, family, or church life that needs perseverance?  Is it all the challenges, obstacles, and frustrations of our current health crisis?   Is it the loss of your job?  Challenges in your family or marriage?  A medical or health issue that you or someone you love are facing?  If you ask, God will give you the strength and resources to persevere if you will but trust in Him.  We need only to have perseverance to see the victory of God in and through whatever it is! So, hang in there, and always remember that God loves you and I do, too!