Perseverance

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” Philippians 3:14

Perseverance can be defined many different ways. Persistence, tenacity, grit, steadfastness, endurance. Athletes train to win the race and claim the prize.
Wilma didn’t get much of a head start in life. Wearing leg braces from polio, her left leg was crooked and her foot twisted inward. After seven long years of painful therapy, she finally walked without braces. She wanted to play basketball but at age 12, she didn’t make the team. Determined to play, she practiced with friends and finally was named to join the team a year later. By age 13 a college track coach spotted her during a game and asked to train her as a runner. At 14, she was the fastest sprinter in the U.S. In 1956 Wilma made the ‘56 Olympic team, but showed poorly. That bitter disappointment only ignited her desire to work harder for the 1960 Olympics in Rome. And there, on that Olympic track, Wilma Rudolph won three gold medals, the most a woman had ever won.
Stamina, spunk, determination, steadfastness, hanging in there. Paul writes to the church in Philippi to hold fast and remain strong in their faith. He urges the Philippians to know God in Christ Jesus that they may become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him and the power outflowing from His resurrection.
And now I ask myself: How am I spiritually training to claim that prize? Am I pausing each day to be with God in prayer and devotion? Am I reaching out to others in need? Do I face adversity with grace and trust? Let us each “train” to win the ultimate prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

Gracious Lord, Continue to guide us daily in a state of grace as we put on our spiritual running shoes to press toward the goal of eternal salvation. Amen