Perseverance And A Fish Story

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ~ Winston Churchill

Before I finish typing the word perseverance, I smell the pine trees, hear the lapping of waves against a rocky shore, and I’m a kid swallowing lake water once more.

Half-way through the camper swim test, required if I wanted to take a boat out on the lake or learn to water-ski, I decided to quit. I knew I could make it, but I was tired, and immediate relief was at hand.

As the lifeguard offered me the long pole and guided me to the dock, I told a lie so blatant I remember it today. “A fish hit me in the stomach.” From his incredulous expression I concluded my fibbing skills were weak.

That decision to give up has haunted me all these years, and I’m not sure why. Maybe because my choice was so senseless–a few moments of effort weighed against a week’s worth of opportunities. Maybe a quitter was not who I wanted to be.

Perseverance as obedience

Years later, Eugene Peterson’s book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, fell into my hands. A commentary on the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), ancient songs chanted on the long, uphill pathways to Jerusalem, the title of the book rings true.

It is difficult to stay the course when immediate escape is at hand. I need the reminder: Most of what matters takes a long time to reach.

Biblical perseverance is not simply treading water, or toughing out the hard stuff. It means pointing your life in God’s direction and letting him make sense of the obstacles along the way.

And trusting him to carry you through.

Are you tempted to give up? It’s been too long, the problem is too deep, and your muscles are weary? Read Psalms 120-134, and take heart.