Day Sixty-Six

WHY PERSEVERANCE MATTERS

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

—ROMANS 5:3–5 NIV

I’m a quitter. It comes way too easy for me to walk away from something that feels hard, whether it’s an exercise class, a friendship, or a diet. But as I mature and grow up, I’m learning that courage builds when I persevere.

Listen. I’ve wanted to walk away from this career a lot. And I mean a lot. It gets hard and lonely and frustrating (along with all the good things—don’t get me wrong!). But I’m hanging on because I see the light at my feet telling me to keep walking and writing.

Joy Williams has a song called “Golden Thread,” and when things seem to be stretching me too thin, I loop that song like nobody’s business. It reminds me that when I feel like I am just hanging by a thread and everything seems to be unraveling and to simply cut it would be the best bet, that thread may be gold. And it may be worth holding on.

Perseverance builds character.

Things can get sticky here. You’re in an abusive relationship? I’m not telling you to stay and persevere. You’re trying to make it as an actress in LA and you’re literally out of money? I’m not telling you to stay and persevere.

If you’re tired of fighting for that prayer that never seems to be answered? Hold on. Persevere. Because perseverance builds character. And God does answer prayer.

If you want to walk away from your marriage to a godly man because it has become something different than you thought it’d be? Hold on. Persevere. (Get counseling, but persevere.)

If you have applied to the college of your dreams but haven’t heard back yet? Hold on. Persevere.

I got a tattoo on my right arm that says just that. Persevere. In tiny white letters, it’s there to remind me of who I want to be and how I want to live.

Brave people don’t give up. Brave people don’t quit. Brave people realize that we rejoice in our sufferings because it leads to perseverance and perseverance produces character, and ultimately, it brings us to the hope we have in Jesus. Hope is worth fighting for.

BE BRAVE: What does perseverance look like for you today?