Perseverance

Perseverance

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. But never forget the warning: “Today you must listen to his voice. Don’t harden your hearts against him as Israel did when they rebelled.”

Hebrews 3:14-15

Even though I’m not a sports fan, I found it exciting to watch the Chicago Bulls when they won multiple championships several years ago. Who could fail to appreciate the energy and drive the team had, led by the greatest basketball player ever, Michael Jordan? In one particularly memorable game, Jordan was ill. What was amazing was that after dragging himself onto the court, he somehow had the perseverance to continue to make the shots!

The children of Israel lacked perseverance many times. After God delivered them from Egypt and miraculously provided for them on their way to the Promised Land, the people faltered when they learned of “giants in the land” that they would need to defeat. They quickly forgot God’s presence. Time after time God had overwhelmed their enemies and surely would do so again, but they failed to persevere in their faith that God cared for them and had good plans for them.

Sometimes we and our children find it easier to persevere in the lesser things of life, like a game of basketball, a hobby, or exercise. We overlook the most important perseverance of all—our perseverance of faith. But the prize for choosing to be strong in faith will be much greater than a gold championship ring. The prize will be sharing “in all that belongs to Christ.”

Lord,

Give us the grace today to stay strong in our faith. Help us to know how much you value us. May we remember all the good you want for our lives, if we will only trust in you. In the faithful name of Jesus, amen.