Persistence

Jarrod M. Jacobs

Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), the 30th President of the United States, is noted for saying that nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

  •        Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
  •        Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
  •        Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
  • Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

                   Mr. Coolidge’s words above deserve consideration, for his words are parallel to God’s teaching. Think of Noah’s persistence in the sin-filled world (Gen. 6-8; II Pet. 2:5; Heb. 11:7). Abraham showed it in his obedience to God even when it was hard to do (Gen. 22; Heb. 11:17-19; Jas. 2:21-23). Daniel and his friends were persistent when enslaved (Dan. 1-6), as was Queen Esther in her position.

                   Of course, New Testament heroes showed persistence and determination to serve God amid fiery trials (Rom. 8:18; II Cor. 4:17-18, 11:23-28). In Christ’s day, Bartimaeus received his sight because he was persistent in begging Jesus for his healing (Matt. 20:29-34; Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43). Jesus also taught a parable where the persistence of a widow made all the difference in her situation (Lk. 18:2-8). The gospel was spread in the first century despite threats, violence, hatred, and even death because God’s people were persistent in telling folks the truth about a risen Savior and what His death means to us (I Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 4:18-20, 5:28-33)! Trials continue to this day, and we need persistence. No doubt, this is why Peter was inspired to write, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (I Pet. 4:12-16).

                   What helps us to overcome struggles and trials? Persistence!