THE LAW OF PERSISTENCE
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12)
Persistence is a key personality trait defined as “voluntary continuation of a goal-directed action in spite of obstacles, difficulties, or discouragement”. It describes a person’s propensity to remain motivated, resilient and goal-driven in the face of challenges that they may encounter whilst carrying out a task. Persistence is a factor that determines whether a task will be completed or abandoned.
The reality of life is that it comes with its fair share of challenges, ups and downs, highs and lows, successes and failures. But no matter what we are faced with in life, we move! We must keep pushing onward and forward to achieve our goals. Persistence does not lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever. It doesn’t matter how many times you are knocked down, all that matters is you get up one more time than you were down. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again” (Proverbs 24:16).
Many people have abandoned their dreams and pursuits because they could not persevere. Paul said: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize”. (1 Corinthians 9:24). A lot of people run in a race but only few gets the prize. These are the people who keep pushing through the storms with their eyes set on the reward.
God is interested in our achievements. He wants us to succeed in what we are called to do. He wants to return to award us the winners’ prize just like the master that gave his servants those talents (Parable of the Talent: Matthew 25:14-19). Persistence is characterized by the ability to work over extended periods of time in the face of obstacles and challenges. A person that must push on, must be resilient about overcoming these challenges and must exercise self control to resist distractions and the urge to give up. Consider Isaac in Genesis 26:15-22, he refused to give up despite the pressure from the Philistines. He kept pushing until they no longer strived with him. You also need to keep pressing on. Endure the trying period and see it as God’s means of perfecting you. Embrace the process so you can arrive at your destination.
REFLECTION: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). Paul specified, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1Cor.9:24).
