By  LPJ

A shade of stubbornness mixed with determination to achieve a purpose. That’s my take on perseverance. Lately, I’ve been pondering on this word. Actually, intrigued by it. Why? To be honest, maybe, I lacked it?  Maybe, I wasn’t too interested in my goal. Or just maybe, I gave up on my goal and that was more comfortable, rather than staying anxious about achieving it. Maybe, nothing.

Perseverance is a virtue when aimed at gaining good. Personally, that’s the only kind I aim for. And honestly, I don’t always have it. At times, it’s like raw fish that slips off my grasp. Like a delicate butterfly that flickers a second in my hand, but then whisks off. Like lush ice cream on a stiff cone but quickly melts in sweltering heat. You can add your own creative comparisons – I’m sure you’ve had it and lost it, too, just like I have. You might ask how and why.

I worked hard on a manuscript finetuned with the help of a professional coach. I followed all the nitty-gritty of strategies to seek a literary agent. The novel was meant to jumpstart a series. Holding on to hope with patience, I started writing the sequel. But now, almost a year since I first sent my queries, still no luck. So, I stopped writing the sequel. Mustering the interest to continue, I tried to persevere a few times. But at every try, I ceased to persevere. Oh elusive perseverance, where are you? When I think I have it, it flickers away. That’s just one example.

Then, there’s the resolution to engage in regular exercise at the Y, at least twice a week.  For five months, I celebrated the discipline of going, and enjoyed the session every time. It felt good to catch up on social chats in between routines, snatch capsules of news or quick updates, and compare health notes. Most interesting were the unsolicited or volunteered lay prescriptions for ailments. I’ve collected a number of them, and even used one or two for pains. Then, my foot problem occurred and it needed a not-so-minor surgery. Thank God, I’ve recovered nicely. But I’ve lost interest in exercise. Actually, I want to resume the routine, but perseverance hasn’t been willed back. Perhaps, I should test the waters and try exercising again – then just maybe, the elusive perseverance will stay?

And what about the resolution to eat less sweets? I finished a 4-inch square box of tiramisu, a 2-inch square dark chocolate with hazelnut, several bars of baklava and shortbread, just in a few days this week. Of course, I took the usual meds to avoid the spike in sugar. I intend to stick to the dietary discipline, and want the perseverance back.

I could give more examples, but those three make the point.

But there is a perseverance that I thank God for. It’s the hunger to engage in studies to advance my understanding of the word of God in Scripture. I seem to be carried in the current and I have no desire to resist. While understanding Scripture is never without guidance of the Holy Spirit, we, too, need to nourish and grow that genuine interest in expanding our knowledge of God’s message and instruction for us in the Bible.  Over the years, I have earnestly participated in Bible studies under various teachers and facilitators. All have been very helpful. Currently, I’m in a study that expands the cognitive abilities with new perspectives and deeper insights. I pore over Dr. John Walton’s book (Exploring the Lost World of Genesis) with great perseverance. I find his deliberations very thought-provoking, but definitely, not a challenge to my faith. Rather, they grow my worshipful awe of the magnanimity of our powerful and sovereign God and His purpose for creation. Loving this kind of perseverance, I continue to read on.

So, what is perseverance? How is it seeded? How does it grow? How does it thrive?

By the will, in the heart, and with God.

Linda P. Jacob