Michael Jordan highlighted a characteristic when he said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” What is this trait? Perseverance! Perseverance is continuing to do something in spite of failure, obstacles and difficulties. Bill Gothard, a Christian conference speaker, offered this definition of perseverance. “Perseverance is accepting a difficult situation from the Lord without giving Him a timeline to remove it.”
Have a serious talk with God and give Him those things that have been discouraging you. Then, with renewed faith, stretch those muscles and get back into the race.
James of the Bible reminds us that “when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance (perseverance) has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
For the Christian, it is critical that we keep our eyes on the Lord as we run the course of life. “Let us run with endurance (perseverance) the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT). Is there some obstacle or disappointment that has recently tended to detour you from running with confidence and courage? Take a pause by sitting on the restoration bench along the trail. Have a serious talk with God and give Him those things that have been discouraging you. Then, with renewed faith, stretch those muscles and get back into the race. Perseverance produces a life wherein we become whole, thankful and joyful. One day we shall run through the finish line into the very presence of our Saviour.