Persevere

The very first flight to cross the continental United States was achieved by a man named Cal Rodgers in 1911. Mr. Rodgers flew from New York City to Long Beach California in an early Wright flyer airplane. While his total flight time was only 3 days, 10 hours, and 14 minutes, the entire journey took him 84 days. Weather and mechanical failures brought him crashing to the ground more than 30 times! When he finally arrived at his destination, the only original parts left on the plane were the oil pan and rear rudder.

What amazing commitment and perseverance! Can you imagine? After the first crash, I would have been tempted to bail on the whole project. But this story just reminds me that some of the most significant accomplishments in life happen only through persistence and deep faithfulness.

Over and over, our scriptures tell us that God is faithful. In the book of Lamentations, during one of the most trying times in the life of Israel, we read this promise:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.

May we draw courage and strength from this promise, so that we too might hold fast, stay committed, and persevere through trying times.

Let us pray: Loving God, we are reminded today that weathering rough patches and committing ourselves to see things through enable beautiful things to happen. We thank you for your faithfulness and commitment to us. Grant us your courage and grace so that we may be faithful even as you are faithful. Amen.