Some have called me stubborn but I disagree. I like to think that I am persistent. I was born with a “can do” attitude and was surrounded by family members who subscribed to that as well. I will endure, keep going, pursue, and hang tough until I succeed or collapse. All of the resources I can muster are applied to whatever challenge I face. The Cambridge Dictionary describes persistence this way, “to start or continue doing something in a determined way, often despite problems.” That’s me … except I can’t do everything on my own. Believe me, I’ve tried.
I spent too many years trying to be a “good Christian” by following the rules, saying the right things, and doing the right things. Ultimately, I couldn’t do it. The pressure became too great. When I failed to live up to the “rules” I felt defeated and discouraged. In my discouragement I turned to God’s Word and was reminded the Christian life is not a solo journey … it is walking with God, obeying Him, sharing His message, and welcoming the challenges of the journey to refine and grow my faith in Him. I love the encouragement found in the book of James.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. – James 1:2-4 (MSG)
I love the song “Press On” by Dan Burgess. It eloquently speaks of the need to press on and persist in the journey of the Christian life because everything we do is for the glory of God.
Press On
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we’re battered and scarred
When we’ve spent our resources
When we’ve given our all
In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
It is my desire to persist, endure, keep going, and hang tough as I keep my eyes on Jesus and move forward to be the person He has created me to be for His sake and for His glory.
No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us. – Philippians 3:13-15 (TLB)
Press On is one of my favorite songs. It encourages me and reminds me of the need to persist. Press on the link and take the time to listen and be encouraged too!
Simple Faith 