PERSEVERANCE.

“NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP.”

Winston Churchill’s famous quote, pasted to the top of my computer screen, inspired me through a long, difficult season. Churchill, of course, was Prime Minister of Great Britain during the time of Hitler’s assault on London and surrounding cities; when for weeks at a time the German Air Force pounded British civilians every night, reducing most of that great and historic town almost to powder.

Life can beat us nearly to death sometimes. We feel like the Londoners whom Churchill sought to inspire with his bulldog courage and relentlessness. What a timeless and powerful leader he was. He had great faith in the British people and in their resolve that, ultimately, good would triumph over evil.

What kind of faith do you have? In whom do you place your faith?

Here are some God-inspired words from the Bible about faith and perseverance. (My dad used to call it “stick-to-it-ive-ness.” I love that.) Read ‘em and post a comment. Let’s hear your favorite verse about perseverance – or even about a story from your own life.

Free trip to Starbuck’s for the best post… =)

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

… I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Proverbs 24:10 (KJV)

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Luke 11:5-13 (NAS)
...I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds ; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

But be careful, because…

James 4:2 (KJV)

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

And it’s important to ask God for the things that HE wants for us. Here’s a good guideline for how to determine this:

Psalm 37:3-7 (NIV)

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Again, the importance of remembering God first and following his plans:

Joshua 1:6-9

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Finally, remember that God has a purpose for what happens in our lives. Sometimes we’re in for the “long haul” with our trials. What do we do with that…?


Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

…We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Please share your thoughts with us. (See “Welcome to our New Blog” for instructions on how to post.) Can’t wait to hear from you.


NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!


God bless you,

Dave