This Year: Persevere (2)

Disney - Happy Birthday Walt! (Explored)Image by Express Monorail via Flickr

We will reap a harvest if we do not give up
Galatians 6:9

It's said that Walt Disney's request for a loan was rejected by 301 banks before he finally got "yes." But because he refused to quit, he built the world's most famous theme park. So, this year remember two things:

1) Perseverance is needed to win the prize . At a sales convention the manager said to 2000 of his firm's sales force, 'Did the Wright brothers ever quit?' 'No!' they responded. 'Did Charles Lindburg ever quit?' 'No!' they shouted. 'Did Lance Armstrong ever quit?' 'No!' they bellowed. 'Did Thorndike McKester ever quit?' There was a long, confused silence. Then a salesperson shouted, 'Who in the world is Thorndike McKester? Nobody's ever heard of him.' The sales manager snapped back, 'Of course you haven't; that's because he quit!' Quitters never win, and winners never quit.

2) Perseverance turns adversity into advancement. Paul writes, 'Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel' (Philippians 1:12 NIV). Paul didn't give up; he rose up! How did he do it? He found the benefit to him personally that comes from every trial. One Christian author writes: 'Today we're obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. We want a sermon, a seminar or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation and release us from all growing pains. But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving.' Growth is gradual. The Bible says, 'Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters...and we become like him' (2 Corinthians 3:18 TM).

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

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Comments

Louisa said…
"Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters...and we become like him' (2 Corinthians 3:18 TM)." That is so true! I have been on this road only a short while and sometimes catch myself wishing I have the unwavering faith of this or that great man/woman of God, but like you said, growth is gradual. Thanks for a great post.
Pietro Brosio said…
It's true: Perseverance turns adversity into advancement.
In fact what seems to be great weakness, with God becomes great strength.
I know the key to perseverance in life finds it's being in and through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Imagine trying to persevere with out the courage and wisdom only he can give. Thank you for this post! Cathy
Shosannah said…
I really enjoyed this :0)
Thanks for the inspiration!
God Bless.
Kim S in SC said…
Love this post about persevering! What a great reminder to keep going!
Mike said…
I have been on the path for a long time but have recently hit a low spot and have been trying to persevere on my own and trudge through. He has reminded me that if I turn it over to Him I don't have to trudge. For me this is a timely post.
Steve said…
Another excellent comment. You do dig up some treasures.

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