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In William Wilberforce’s first speech to Parliament regarding slave trade in 1789, Wilberforce said, “I am determined I will never rest until I have affected [slavery’s] abolition.” Eighteen long years later, having had his bill rejected on no less than twelve occasions in the intervening years, the motion was carried overwhelmingly. Members of Parliament rose to their feet and cheered him, while William sat with his face in his hands, tears streaming down his face.

“What drew me to Wilberforce was his reputation as a man who simply would not give up when the cause is just,” says John Piper.

As with Wilberforce’s abolition campaign, perseverance involves effort in the face of adversity. On Christmas Day, 1776, at the lowest point in the war for independence, George Washington addressed his weary and frostbitten troops with words penned by Thomas Paine: “Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it.” That night they crossed the Delaware River and the next day won the decisive victory and secured the nation’s freedom.

Perseverance also involves patience in the face of indifference, and courage in the face of despair. When we see an injustice, let us have no part in it; let it not happen with our consent. Beyond that, we commit ourselves, and everything we do, into the hands of Almighty God.

Response: Can you recall an occasion when you persevered with patience and eventually succeeded? Are there other situations to which you need to apply this approach? 

When it comes to simply living, don't give up!