Articles
The Power of Perseverance
Bois d’Arc endures. That’s why the early settlers in this area found this practically rot-proof wood so useful
for fence posts and foundation blocks.
Hang in there!
God loves people who press on—who stay on course day after day, year after year, no matter what.
Marriages and congregations thrive when they possess that determination to remain true, regardless of hazards
or hardships.
We must complete the course if we are to win the crown. ‘Quitters never win, and winners never quit.”
Satan uses the long stretches to weary and defeat us—if we let him. Every Christian who quits has stumbled
into Satan’s trap. Knowing we’re in it for the long haul helps us resist the temptation to slack off, slow down, or
give up.
Don’t quit!
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as
we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”
(Galatians 6:9-10).
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Each of these powerful exhortations is backed up with a promise. Our toil is not in vain in the Lord. We will
reap if we don’t grow weary.
What is perseverance?
“It is the spirit which can bear things, not simply with resignation, but with blazing hope . . . . it is not the
patience which grimly waits for the end, but the patience which radiantly hopes for the dawn” (William
Barclay, New Testament Words, The Westminster Press, p. 144).
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance,
so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
