Saturday May 18, 2024
Romans 5:3-4
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces
endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
Most people are familiar with this famous quote from a speech by Winston Churchill: “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Not everyone knows to whom he gave this speech: it was to a group of young schoolboys at the Harrow School in England, Churchill’s own alma mater, at a time when England was under attack by Germany in World War II.
Young people can be easily discouraged in the face of adversity—like John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on the opening leg of their first missionary journey. As they prepared to enter the difficult region of Asia Minor, John Mark left and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13; 15:36-41). John Mark had not yet learned that “tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
If you are thinking of quitting something that is difficult, think of the character and hope you will forfeit if you do.
Genius, that power which dazzles mortal eyes,
Is oft but perseverance in disguise.
HENRY AUSTIN
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 