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[1] PERSPECTIVE AND PERSISTENCE

“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again” (Paul the Apostle, 2 Corinthians 11:26, NIV).

At one point when Thomas Edison was persistently working to invent a workable electric light bulb, a young journalist sarcastically asked him, “Why do you keep trying to make an electric light bulb when you have failed so many times. Don’t you know that gas lights are with us to stay?”

“Young man,” Edison said, “I have not failed but successfully discovered 6,000 ways that won’t work!”

If anyone knew opposition it was the Apostle Paul. Besides being in prison and being exposed to death, he received the thirty-nine lashes from the Jews. He was also beaten with rods, stoned, and shipwrecked three times. He was in constant danger from bandits, his own countrymen, and from Gentiles. He often went without sleep. He experienced hunger and thirst. He had been left naked and cold, and knew constant pressure because of his concern for all the churches. (See 2 Corinthians 11:24-28).

But Paul was persistent and faithful to the end. In spite of innumerable setbacks, he never quit.

Thomas Edison’s persistence paid off very well for us today. Paul’s persistence paid off very well, also for us today, as much of the New Testament part of the Bible was written by Paul. In our service for God, our persistence will also pay off in the long run.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, in the work you have for me here on earth, please help me to be persistent and never give up knowing that you are always with me. Gratefully in Jesus’ name. Amen.”