Great Attitudes Series: Perseverance

I Am Glad They Didn’t Quit

All of us are surrounded by and benefit from the results of someone’s perseverance. Let us consider a few:

·         Above my head is a bright electric light, thanks Tom.

·         On my nose are glasses that enable me to focus, thanks Ben.

·         In my driveway is a car ready to take me wherever I choose steer it, thanks Henry.

·         In my office are shelves of books full of interesting and carefully researched pages. Thanks authors.

Persevere for God’s Purpose

When we awaken in the morning, we choose the attitude that will ultimately guide our thoughts and actions through the day. I am convinced that our best attitudes emerge out of a clear understanding of our own identity, a clear sense of God’s purpose for our lives. That type of God honoring attitude encourages us to press on, to focus upon goals, and to respond to life’s difficult circumstances. 

“…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b ESV 

Standing Strong – Hebrews 11:27

“By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” [Emphasis added].

·         This passage is the only one in which the actual word for “perseverance” is used in the New Testament. The concept of perseverance exists throughout the Bible.

·         Notice the context of the verse – Moses did not fear the king he could see, but rather the King who was invisible.

·         Faith makes it possible to persevere in the face of impossible odds. Faith is the catalyst that reaches through what is seen (namely our difficult situation) and grabs the invisible as though it is seen.

·         Spiritual leadership requires that you point the way to what the people cannot see at the moment, to something that is clearly seen by you. Moses was going to the promised-land though others could not see it at the time. Once Moses had his mind made up, nothing would deter him.

o   He endured despite the contempt of Pharaoh

o   He endured despite the stubbornness of the Hebrews who grumbled, blamed, complained, and rebelled.

o   He endured despite the criticisms of his own brother and sister

o   He endured, despite disappointments