Steadiness and Perseverance

New endeavors have an advantage. They are embraced and enjoyed not just for themselves but for the fact that they are new. The new dating relationship, the new job, the new exercise routine, all of these have a unique appeal not just for their intrinsic quality but for their newness. Following Christ is no exception to these realities. The new follower of Christ is discovering new ideas and new realities that are transforming one’s life. This is both good and exciting, but it is also temporary. The authentic follower of Christ knows the power and importance of both steadiness and perseverance. Scripture abounds with story after story of those who have persevered in their faith, decade after decade, and consequently developed profound depth in their lives. Abraham and Sarah persevered through infertility. Joseph persevered through enslavement and imprisonment. Moses persevered in his leadership. Such living demands a perspective that doesn’t need the new and flashy idea or opportunity but is content to be faithful with what was learned years before, even in the midst of hardship. This demands a shift in perspective. A person may be tempted to withdraw from critical relationships, church involvement, and serving opportunities, because for one reason or another, things got hard. The hardship may be something heavy, like suffering and conflict, or it may be something common, like the hardship of boredom. Regardless, withdrawing from God and people due to suffering and pain, or wander and boredom, leads to shallow living that misses the richness of perseverance. Over and over in Scripture we hear exhortations akin to, “Be strong, and take heart, and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). If we are perpetually trying to “fix” things ourselves rather than maintaining a steady and persevering spirit, we will miss the depth and richness God has for us through the commitment to one long pull in the same direction.