Persistence

The former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge once said,

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Persistence is defined as, “the quality of continuing steadfastly in spite of obstacles.” Synonyms for persistence include endurance, perseverance, and adherence. In our walk with God, Satan is going to try to do everything he can to stop us. We will also, in our weaknesses, put some of our own problems in the way. Persistence is the necessary tool we need to overcome the obstacles of Satan and self.

The Old Testament paints a great picture of what life is really like. The Jew’s Egyptian bondage can be compared to the slavery of sin. Moses serves as a type of Christ, a savior and deliverer appointed by God. The Red Sea is a foreshadowing of the salvation experience later realized in the new covenant. And the wilderness is just life – the reality of our dependence on God! Even though we have been set free in Jesus, we still have a need to mature and choose God every day.

The Hebrew writer, therefore, wrote to the church, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end” (Hebrews 3:12-14).

We may think it would sure be nice if we had no worries once we became Christians. But a relationship with Christ is not a guarantee that worldly struggles will cease. Instead, being a Christian means that we now have what it takes to overcome the world through faith. We have the cleansing blood of Christ to take away our sins. We have the motivation of heaven to endure hardship. We have the good news which God has commanded us to share with others in order to make a difference along the way.

There may not be a more important word for the Christian than “persistence.” In the end, it will be the difference between eternal life and eternal condemnation.

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” ~ Hebrews 10:36

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