21 November | Youth
«But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.» James 1:4
What helps us to have perseverance? How can we make this a feature of our lives?
Perseverance springs forth in how we face difficulties. It means moving forward no matter what. It is about staying firm on the journey. The person who perseveres demonstrates uncommon courage and determination. Perseverance means continuing to move forward despite difficulties.
Many people start projects but do not finish them. Some lead their lives in a microwave style: everything is very quick and immediate. In our disposable society, we use something and then throw it away (whether it is a plastic cup, a friendship, a spouse, or a belief). Our choices determine our journey. And some just cannot get very far.
Read care-ful-ly what the apostle Paul wrote: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8, 9). Persevering is continuing on the journey, no matter what. Or rather, what happens will be used as supplementary energy to continue the journey. It is about facing life’s blows without despairing or giving up.
To achieve this, perseverance must complete its cycle. As James says, “let perseverance finish its work” (James 1:4). He who perseveres reveals maturity. It is one thing to finish the race. Another thing is to finish well. Whoever runs with perseverance, doing their best, no matter what position they reach, will always be victorious.
They say that to climb Everest, a climber needs to consume around 6,000 calories per day. In general, we consume, on a daily basis, around 2,000. But to endure the climb and reach the destination, the climber needs an extra reserve; therefore, he needs a greater amount. In the same way, if we want to remain firm to reach our destination, we need an extra reserve of spiritual food to persevere despite the pressure.
Feed on the Word of God. Only it can give you enough strength to overcome life’s challenges. Fueled and nourished by His teachings, you will have perseverance and will not give up on God’s challenges for your life.