Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel? Especially when an unresolved problem or a season of pain saps your energy? It happens to me all the time, given the decades I’ve spent in my wheelchair. For me, perseverance can often seem like an elusive thing out ahead of me, like a dangling carrot. And as much as I try to reach for it, I can’t quite attain to it. But then, before I know it, I’m there. I’ve made it to the other side.
To persevere is to endure a hard thing for a long time, leaving the length of the trial totally in God’s hands. The author of Hebrews writes, “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” And that promise is the incomparable reward of Jesus saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)
Holy Spirit, You are the One who indwells me, closer than hands or feet, closer than my breath. Infuse me with Your perseverance, patience, and determination today. I can only run today’s race today; I can’t do anything about yesterday’s race or tomorrow’s. I ask for the strength to run well this day, this hour, in Jesus’ strong name.
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