Persistence: Path to Success
Lam 3:22-24, Proverbs 4:25-26, Luke 1:37, Philip 1:6
Achieving our goals can be a challenging endeavor, but it is never impossible. The key lies in having faith
in ourselves and taking small steps towards our aspirations. Each step, no matter how seemingly
insignificant, paves the way for progress and success. Persistence plays a crucial role in attaining our
desired outcomes. Consistently showing up and putting in the necessary effort is instrumental in
overcoming obstacles and reaching our goals. By maintaining a steadfast mindset and unwavering
perseverance, we can navigate through the challenges and emerge victorious.
Persistence is the steadfast determination to continue a course of action or pursue a goal, despite
challenges, obstacles, or opposition. The prevailing belief among many of us is that success is attainable
solely by those who possess innate talents or have dedicated themselves to studying hard. However,
without persistence, even the most exceptional talents or extensive studies can only take us so far.
Persistence plays a crucial role in both our personal and professional growth, significantly impacting our
potential for success and happiness. Regardless of our background, there will be occasions when
circumstances deviate from our expectations, obstacles seem insuperable, and failure becomes
inevitable. Experiencing failure early on can often trigger frustration and significantly undermine the
initial self-confidence we possess. In many instances, this feeling of defeat may tempt us to abandon our
dreams, as it may seem impossible to achieve success in either our personal or professional life and it is
during these challenging moments, when the urge to surrender arises, that understanding our purpose
and embracing persistence will empower us to overcome any obstacle and then succeed.
“Success tastes even sweeter when savored alongside the bitterness of failures we’ve overcome on
our journey.” (-Moh from Yemen who now works as a Senior Software Developer in Düsseldorf)
Hebrews 12:1-3 “I quit.” We generally say this when a relationship, job, or the like becomes so stressful
that we don’t think we can continue. Sometimes these words are even spoken to God when the
demands seem too great, the cost too high, or the obstacles too daunting.
But even in discouraging times, God has made a provision for our endurance. We have the witness of
believers who’ve gone before us—especially the ones whose stories are recorded in Scripture. And, of
course, our ultimate example is Jesus Christ. He endured the cross not only to save us but also to
encourage us not to grow weary and lose heart.
Troubles abound in this sin-wracked world, but God says we’re blessed when we persevere under trials
(James 1:12). In order to endure, we must rid ourselves of sin and obstacles to our spiritual progress.
Then we can grow in Christlikeness and usefulness to the Lord.
When we consider giving up, we’re focusing on ourselves instead of on our Savior, who’s provided
everything we need to persevere. The desire and power to keep going are from God, not from self-will
and determination. Human efforts may fail us, but the Lord never will.
Why being persistent is so important?
1. Persistence, essential for realizing our dreams, instills motivation and ambition, enhancing our effort
and inspiring others.
2. Through persistence, we understand the true value of success, appreciating the importance of time,
effort, and sacrifice.
3. Failures, while challenging, offer valuable lessons and insights into our weaknesses, fostering
resilience and driving us to strive for success.
4. Persistence promotes consistency, a crucial trait for both personal and professional life, enriching our
journey towards our goals.
5. Despite unexpected obstacles, persistence enables us to persevere, presenting significant rewards
and fueling our determination.
“Success is no accident, it is a result of hard work, perseverance, persistence, learning from your
mistakes, studying, sacrificing, and most of all, loving what you do. Also, the harder you work, the
luckier you get.”(-Johnny from Nigeria who works as a Software Developer in Portugal)
Ways of becoming more persistent:
1. Remember Why You Started
2. Create a Vision and Identify Your Wants and Desires
3. Set Small and Achievable Goals
4. Focus on the Journey and not on the Outcome
5. Develop Discipline, Habit, and Commit to Consistency.
6. Find Balance: Self-Care, Self-Development, Personal Life, Professional Life
7. Practice Gratitude
Stand up, stand up for Jesus
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high his royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall he lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in his strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor's song.
To those who vanquish evil
A crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
Let us, with a gladsome mind,
1 Let us, with a gladsome mind,
praise the Lord, for he is kind:
For his mercies ay endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
2 Let us blaze his name abroad,
for of gods he is the God:
For his mercies ay endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
3 He with all-commanding might
filled the new-made world with light:
For his mercies ay endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
4 He the golden-tressèd sun
caused all day his course to run:
For his mercies ay endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
5 And the hornèd moon at night
'mid her spangled sisters bright:
For his mercies ay endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
6 All things living he doth feed,
his full hand supplies their need:
For his mercies ay endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
7 Let us, with a gladsome mind,
praise the Lord, for he is kind:
For his mercies ay endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
Ancient word
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Praise my soul the king of heaven
1 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
2 Praise him for his grace and favor
to his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!
3 Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!
4 Angels, help us to adore him;
you behold him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!
