Strong spirits: perseverance
When pursuing a dream or dealing with a problem, are you able to hang in there?
How tenacious are you? When pursuing a dream or dealing with a problem, are you able to hang in there? To stick with it? To keep at it despite frustrations and pushback? To persevere?
The Bible tells us "Love always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:7) The very best example of this is Jesus himself. His whole life was given to the vision of setting us free from sin and death, so we could have an abundant life here and eternal life in the world to come. "For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame... (Hebrews 12:2) That is perseverance!
So how can we persevere? "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith... Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:2,3). His perfect love will give us the strength we need to carry on. He wants to help. Ask him.
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
