Imagine if persistence and perseverance were removed from the equation of life. What would the world look like today? Would there have ever been the Abraham Lincoln that we have come to know? Would our country even exist? What about the life, ministry and impact of Jesus?
How important is persistence and perseverance?
Einstein wrote, “I think and think for months and years, ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.” Does this tell us that we ought to think of failure differently?
It’s been said that, “Failure is not an option. Failure is a necessity. You try. You fail. You learn. You adjust!” The Bible says, “we count those who persevere blessed!” (James 5:11)
This was certainly the case with the Greek woman whose daughter was demon possessed (Mark 7).
She had heard that Jesus had left Israel and was nearby in the area of Tyre and Sidon. So what did she do? She humbly but boldly approached Jesus crying over and over, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!” which was a cry that meant she believed that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel (Matthew 15:22). Jesus answered her saying, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs”. Jesus was telling her that His first priority was to Israel. But this did not stop her! She answered, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” Her response brought an answer from Jesus. Jesus blessed her persistence and persevering faith saying, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
Did you know that the Lord wants to draw out persistence and perseverance in your life?
It is necessary for the growth and maturity that the Lord wants to develop in your life. The Bible says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4). The antithesis of this is to allow circumstances and emotions to dictate your character, priorities and outlook. When this happens, most often that person will then bail on God, family and life itself.
Hear this, the most important area for persistence and perseverance in your life is in the pursuit of Jesus Christ, not only because there is nothing more true than Him, but because God blesses the pursuit! Be persistent and persevere in your pursuit of Jesus. Paul wrote, “…I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me … I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Phil. 3:12-14)