Perseverance

 Hebrews : 12 : 7 - Persevere in discipline. God presents you to himself as sons. But what son is there, whom his father does not correct? 

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When we watch the runners fly like the wind, with nary a split second to spare, it is the crown of glory bestowed to the one who finished first.  The person who placed second or third is not the winner.  Where speed counts, this game is for the fastest.

In life though, it is not a sprint but a marathon.  The race is not just to those who are swift, who leaves dust in the wind; it is also for those who endure to the end.  Can we persevere on what life brings to us - the challenges, the pitfalls, the pauses, the dead ends, until we can reach the crowning glory?  

To those who rely only on their strength, this marathon is exceedingly a tough terrain but to those who fixed their eyes on God, each stumble is an occasion to rise, each defeat a celebration of the promise, each blow is an opportunity for praise.

For God as a loving Father tests our mettle, strengthens our character, and clothes our soul in the waters of holiness so that we may be made perfect through our weakness.