Perseverance a Course of Action

Perseverance a Course of Action

The dictionary defines perseverance as “persistence, steadfastness, determination, purposefulness, or resolve.” Automobile genius Henry Ford once came up with a revolutionary plan for a new kind of engine which we know today as the V-8. With great perseverance, Ford set out to get his new idea into production. He had some men draw up the plans, and presented them to the engineers. As the engineers studied the drawings, one by one they came to the same conclusion. Their visionary boss just didn’t know much about the fundamental principles of engineering. He’d have to be told gently–his dream was impossible. Ford instructed, "Produce it anyway." They replied, "But it’s impossible." "Go ahead," Ford commanded, "and stay on the job until you succeed, no matter how much time is required." For six months they struggled with design after design. Nothing! Another six months – Nothing! At the end of the year, Ford checked with his engineers and they once again told him that what he wanted was impossible. Ford told them to keep going. They did…and they discovered how to build a V-8 engine. Perseverance paid off!

The Bible talks a lot about perseverance because without it, individuals can never fulfill their God-given purpose or potential. In Hebrews 12-1-2 instructions are given to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. In the course of action known as life, will you run all the way with the flame of your torch lit for Christ? Are you persevering in spiritual growth with the same zeal that Henry Ford pursued the invention of the V-8 engine? Only when you persevere in your quest to be closer to God do you really come to understand that He is faithful to deliver on all of His promises. He offers everlasting hope and promises to never leave you. James 1:12 declares, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

“Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14).