For 26 long years he brought up the same subject in the Parliament. His colleagues mocked him, accusing him of losing his common sense to religious fervor. The business establishment threatened that his idealism would destroy the economy. Stress took a toll on his health and he aged far beyond his years as a result of carrying on what the majority of people at the time believed to be a fool’s crusade. But, William Wilberforce would not quit! Using wit and wisdom, he turned the issue of slave trade into the talk of England. Finally in 1807, this great Christian succeeded in getting the House of Commons to vote to end slave trade. The Crown agreed and a vile practice came to an end. This wealthy man, first elected to Parliament at age 21, nearly left politics to become a pastor but, urged by his friends, he did not quit the fight and his persistence changed history!
We each can tell stories about times when life’s difficulties became monstrous, when quitting seemed the only option. When we’re taking a beating, it may seem only reasonable to throw in the towel and end the match. “How much more can I take before I break?” we think to ourselves. I wonder if Joseph wondered if he would break under pressure anytime along his long, circuitous route to becoming Prime Minister in Egypt? His brothers sold him into slavery, motivated less by greed than hatred. The wife of his owner, Potiphar, tried to seduce him and when he resisted her, falsely accused him of rape, leading to a long prison sentence! A man he befriended and helped in prison, forgot all about him when released. But, he kept his dreams and his faith in God. He refused to become a bitter cynic. When given the ‘perfect’ opportunity to settle the score, he forgave those who hurt him the most. And, after years of disappointment, he saw God’s promises fulfilled as he provided safety for his people.
The Bible urges disciples to keep their faith.
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." (Hebrews 10:35-36, NLT)
The greatest cause for failure is quitting too soon. Don’t confuse persistence with stubbornness! A stubborn person keeps on doing the same thing, refusing to adapt and learn, thinking himself above advice. He perpetuates his failure! A persistent one studies his plans, prays fervently, listens well – and keeps trying, and trying, and trying – until he finds a way to do what he was born to do.
Take this thought with you today and think it through.
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
(Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)
______________
Lord, You have shown Yourself to be
Never changing, always faithful!
Lord, You have shown Your heart for me
The loving touch of a caring Father,
In every day that passes,
And all the world's distractions,
Through seasons and life's changes,
You always remain -
Faithful to me.
With Your...
Perfect love, perfect love
casts out all fear and shows me, that every word and promise to me
Will be fulfilled, will be fulfilled.
Faithful, You are faithful!
Faithful, faithful, faithful!
Faithful - Eoghan HeaslipCCLI License No. 810055
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