Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. (Calvin Coolidge)
back it up with bible
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.
Revelations 3:11b Hold that fast which thousand hast, that no man take thy crown.
core christianity
There was once a Louisville University quarterback who dreamed of playing pro football. Upon graduation however, no pro team drafted him. So, he wrote to several teams and finally got an opportunity to try out for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He gave his best effort, but wasn’t chosen. His friends said, “You got a raw deal…it wasn’t meant to be…I guess it’s time to hang up your cleats.” But the young athlete didn’t give up. He continued writing letters and knocking on doors. Finally he received another invitation. But again, he didn’t make the team.
Most people would have given up long before this point, but not Johnny. He was a fanatic about his personal dream. From his early days of playing sandlot football, he had been obsessed with this goal. So, patiently and persistently, he continued to pursue try-out opportunities. Finally he was invited to try out for the Baltimore team…and he made the third string!
Through training and many long hours of drills and fitness building, he worked his way up to be starting quarterback. Indeed he became one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play in the NFL. The dreamers name? Johnny Unitas.--Keep driving until you arrive at your goal line.
previously published
You’ve seen many such examples in movies and have read the life stories of some of these people. I know they’ve inspired you, and you walked away with a feeling of great admiration and respect for the determination and dedication of such people who went down in history as great inventors, pioneers, missionaries, generals, teachers? athletes, soldiers. Those who made a difference in the world had some things in common, regardless of what their quest was. There were qualities in their character that motivated them, that compelled them to greatness.
They all had a vision that they readily believed was possible. Not only did they feel it was possible, but to them it was worth everything. They were willing to make whatever sacrifice to attain the goal. They were passionate in their labors, not casual. They didn’t listen to those who said it couldn’t be done. They labored even when they didn’t feel like it, knowing the shortness of time. Their personal desires and needs took second place to their work. They didn’t concern themselves with the opinions of others, peer pressure, or the status quo.
Everyone who has ever done anything great has had to give up something great. There are no easy paths to greatness. There is no simple, casual, risk-free way to unusual accomplishment. Everything in life that is really worth something is going to cost you--a lot! If these men and women of the world were able to make such sacrifices and were rewarded with such victory through perseverance, think of what could be accomplished by you who have the goal of eternal salvation of all mankind, were you to take on the same qualities and determination! (Issues, Part 12)
I hold the key of determination in My hand, and I wish to give it to the children of David. This key will be instrumental in fighting the Enemy, and overcoming and being successful. This key enables you to fight on when you don’t feel like it. It keeps you from giving up and surrendering to defeat. This key of determination gives you the strength to persevere-not to give up, but to continue fighting till you see victory.
The key of determination is what was given Jacob when he wrestled with the angel. He would not rest until he was blessed. You must fight the Enemy with the same passion and fervor! Do not rest, do not give in, do not let up in the fight until you have seen your enemy slaughtered, until you have beaten him back so severely he will not dare to show his face again for a good long while. This is the resolution and constitution you must have when you fight! Through the keys of determination you can do it, make it, lift the load, go the distance, uphold the standard, and accept and use your anointing. For the power is not yours, but rather the awesome, world-changing, never-ending, all-encompassing power of the keys. (The Art of War, Part 1)
make it personal
Lord, in what areas of my life do I need more determination? And what are some specific steps to improving and getting stronger in that area? What are the benefits that I will gain from taking those steps?
