What took long-term stamina for you to accomplish? Are you glad you did not give up? How often did your mind wage war against your emotions, saying, I can't do this anymore; yes I can; no I can't; I'm not quitting? But you kept at it. You persevered to the end! You were rewarded with what you set out to accomplish. Did you notice that your character improved along the way? God has assigned to you certain purposes in life for which he expects loyalty and commitment. The attitude that grows through perseverance is,
There's no turning back from what God asks!~ PERSEVERANCE IS NOT OPTIONAL ~
Was there a time in your life when giving up was not an option? Perhaps God asked you to restore a relationship, build a ministry, heal from abuse, forgive an offender, or find a job. Maybe he entrusted you to raise a terrible-twos toddler, pray for an unsaved spouse, be a good witness during a serious illness, or wait patiently for a book contract. Did you persevere while completing your undergraduate degree, learning to play racquetball, finalizing an adoption, or building a cabin?
Secret Strategy: "Pray and decide where you believe God wants you to be in ten years from now, and then . . . get on with it! Say, 'Yes, I can. Yes, I will. Yes, I am starting right now.' And, remember, the first step is always the hardest one of all."
When Have You Persevered?
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope".
