Perseverance defined

"Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:12,13

John Bingham, an American marathon runner, once wrote "Marathons are about tenacity as much as talent." Did you realize that another word for tenacity is perseverance? And that is just what I saw at yesterday's 120th Boston Marathon... unwavering perseverance. From a few runners hop skipping the 26.2 miles in air-cast boots, blind runners being led by their guides, wheelchair racers and a few amputees, their efforts on the course only paled in comparison to the training that got them there. No doubt, day after day, they battled physical injury as well as the thoughts that said, "Just quit. It's too hard. You'll never be able to do it."

But that's where our persistence, tenacity and determination come in. The bible tells us that in the end times, "the love of most will grow cold." You see, many people will find it too hard to follow Christ, to do what is right in the face of adversity. To battle the pressures of being like the world day in and day out. But it also gives us the promise that, "the one who perseveres to the end will be saved." That, my friend, is the same staying power that it takes to get to the finish line. In the midst of trials, setbacks and those voices that tell us that we just can't do it, we must persevere. We must push through remembering that our efforts will be rewarded by an eternity spent with Christ.

Maybe you find yourself wavering today in your walk with Christ and ready to just give up? Maybe it's just gotten too hard to do the right thing? Now is not the time to give up! It is most certainly the time to remember that there is a greater reward than you could ever imagine waiting at the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that serves as a motivational speaker to us. May we read it and train ourselves daily in it that our love for You might not grow cold when difficulties or misfortune come into our lives. Help us to be strong and to persevere in the midst of anything this world can hand us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

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Survivors - Matthew West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL0lY5Qp2dM