James 1:12 “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.”
This week marked our 48th wedding anniversary. Chip and I got married on top of a mountain outside of Boulder, Colorado with my grandpa officiating. When the wedding party consists of only three people, it’s pretty noticeable when one might not show up. Grandpa had been suffering from severe back spasms making him question whether he could make the long flight from Columbus to Denver. Had it not been for my dear Aunt Noreen pressing him to persevere through the pain, he may not have made it. “You will always regret it if you don’t go” was her sage advice.
So Grandpa arrived the day before the wedding. That evening, I tucked Grandpa in for the night, hoping he would rest well. But a couple hours later, I heard him cry out in excruciating pain. I rushed him to the ER. The doctor gave him a shot to relax his muscles. It made him a bit loopy but took care of the pain. And the next morning the three of us hiked up Boulder Canyon where Chip and I made our vows. When we put Grandpa on a flight home that evening, he left with no regrets. His perseverance paid off.
Perseverance always does. I remember the summer I landed a job which proved to be a lot more demanding than I thought. It was my aunt who (again) encouraged perseverance. She helped me see I could put up with anything for a few weeks. Once I decided to stick it out, it’s amazing how much lighter the workload became. Plus, I learned an invaluable lesson about not giving up.
I’m glad folks like Job, Joseph, Abraham, Moses, Peter, Paul and the entire Early Church kept going when things got tough. I’m thankful Jesus endured the cross and didn’t throw in the towel.
Scripture places a high premium on perseverance.
It assures us we will reap if we don’t give up (Gal. 6:9). It promises those who persevere will develop a strong character (Rom 5:3-4) and in the end be saved (Matt. 10:22). Jesus commended the persistent widow who persevered until she secured justice (Luke 18:1-8).
So no matter what difficulty you’re facing, I pray you don’t quit. Be one of those persevering people.