How do you respond when the odds are against you? How do you muster the enough strength to keep going when everyone around you is saying you should give up? How do we get through difficult times? No matter how many obstacles are placed before us, we have a responsibility to keep trying and persevering. If we keep pushing through quitting points, we might be surprised as to what’s on the other side of perseverance.
When Wilma Rudolph was born, the doctors did not expect her to survive. She did! At the age of four, Wilma contracted pneumonia and scarlet fever, leaving her left leg paralyzed. She learned to walk with the aid of a brace. However, at age nine, she started walking without it. By age 13, she developed a rhythmic march. That same year, she began running. She entered her first race and came in last. For the next three years, Wilma came in dead last in every race she entered. Her story doesn’t end there, however. She kept on running, and eventually, the little girl who was not supposed to live, won three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics.
Like Wilma, God calls his people to continue in a course of actions, despite our feelings and circumstances: believing the gospel, obeying the Word, praying without ceasing, doing good works and loving one another. James encourages us to let our endurance grow. In doing so, we will be strong and ready for anything. If you are going through a difficult time and you feel like giving up, let these words wash over your heart:
Stay True. Be courageous. Remain Faithful. Be robust and steady. Stand true to what you believe. Cling to Jesus and never stop trusting.
Turn Your Minutes into Moments
What are some things you’ve done to make it through difficult times in your life?
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