Perseverance contains the word severe.

In our lives we expect things fast. We are used to "on-demand" entertainment and overnight delivery. You can speed things up even faster with a drive-through double shot latte from your favorite coffee shop. Results are expected immediately; weather from medicine or a pregnancy test. And, heaven help us if it takes more than 10 seconds to download something from our high-speed internet.

These conveniences of modern life aren't all bad. They are examples of innovation that allows us to do more with our time. We can focus more energy on important things such as family and community. But do we? Also, consider how long it took to create these efficiencies. None of them came to be overnight.

Have you ever heard the expression "Nothing good happens fast"? The word to focus on here is "good". Sure there are many pleasures in life that come about quickly. But what about the things that are truly good?

Those take perseverance to come about; hours of preparation, struggle, failure, trials, and successes. Seeing it through no matter the obstacles. The Saints are all great examples of this perseverance. They weren't just born to be holy and live blessed lives. All of them struggled through many trials and tribulations, including their own sins, to shine their light in Jesus' name.

What are the things you are most proud of in your life? Your career or business? Your family? My experience is that all the good parts of my life took time to develop. "Sweat equity" is what some people call it in business. Anything given to you for free is not worth a tenth as much as something you struggled and suffered to achieve.

So, be it a business project, a new job, a new relationship, or just the current good in your life; keep your "eye on the prize". Be a person of perseverance and daily prayer. Ask God for the strength to persevere for the greater good, even in the most severe circumstances.

TCP
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Mal3:3-4