One Step Closer

"By perseverance the snail reached the ark." ~Charles Spurgeon~

Of all the values we can become skilled at and teach the next generation, I would have to say in my opinion is perseverance. To me perseverance is the cornerstone of true character.

Beginning with Noah, who spent 120 years building an ark, the bible is filled with stories of people who persevered. Men and women who never lost hope and stayed faithful because of the promises given to them.

In every generation there have been countless examples of men and women who, against all odds, tribulations, and opposition continued to press on until their dreams were fulfilled.

There are so many stories in the Bible that inspire, instruct, and instill courage within us to hold on to hope even when it defies all the odds. Through all of these stories run the common threads of endurance, determination, and perseverance.

One of the most precious and highly valued gems known to man is the diamond. Once just a piece of black coal, put under the pressure and heat of the very earth itself, now transformed into a beautiful crystal clear stone that sparkles as it reflects the light of the sun. (amazing I watched this process just today on TV!)

In the animal kingdom we see the caterpillar that builds a cocoon before becoming a butterfly. With each stage of the process there is a necessary struggle to become what it was destined to be. And like the caterpillar, each time we persevere through difficulties we are actually taking one step closer to becoming what God intended us to be. We are being transformed into more and more into the image of His son.

One of my most favorite chapters in the bible paints a vivid picture of perseverance. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as Faith’s “Hall of Fame” because of it applauds the perseverance of many saints who against tremendous odds continued to persevere.

This one chapter summarizes some of the greatest accomplishments by those who chose to follow God no matter what the consequences. These are truly the heroes of faith whose lives are now examples to anyone who has put their hand to the plow and wants to follow after God.

So, what does perseverance look like in your life today? How can we learn from those who went before us? How can we truly spur one another on in this great race, which has been set before us? May God help us as we journey on to not loose sight of those who have cleared the path before us; else we grow weary and loose heart. But we are not the kind that should draw back, but like our Father Abraham, we will not turn back, but will keep our eye on the prize set before us.

I’d like to conclude with a poem I read recently called "Don’t Quit".


When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

when the funds are low and the debts are high,

and you want to smile but you have to sigh,

when care is pressing you down a bit - rest if you must,

but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

as every one of us sometimes learns.

And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow -

you may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;

often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup;

and he learned too late when the night came down,how close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out - the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

and when you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar;

so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit -

it’s when things seem worst,you must not quit.

Author Unknown

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