Key Bible Verse: My nourishment comes from doing the will of God … and from finishing his work (John 4:34). Bonus Reading: John 17:4, 7-8, 12

Once, while Francis of Assisi was hoeing his garden, he was asked, "What would you do if you were suddenly told you'd die at sunset today?" He replied, "I'd finish hoeing my garden." Our perseverance doesn't change God—it changes us. If we're willing to continue—even when we feel like quitting—we'll learn lessons of compassion, understanding, and dependability.

Jesus is our ultimate example of not quitting. Even as a child of 12, He reminded His distraught parents, "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house? (Luke 2:49, NIV). Later, during His public ministry, He told His disciples, "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God … and from finishing his work."

Even when Jesus was dying, He rejected the challenge of the crowd: "Save yourself, and come down from the cross!" (Mark 15:30). It is so human to let go and quit when under fire. However, it is divine to hang in there. At the end of His ordeal, Jesus said, "'It is finished!' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" (John 19:30).

Many people are letting go, giving in, and coming down—quitting after 10, 20, or 30 years. How sad to someday realize that we didn't finish our assignment.

—George Sweeting in Too Soon to Quit

My Response: On which long-term assignment do I need to firm up my grip?

Thought to Apply: The will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success.—DAVID SARNOFF (broadcaster)

Adapted from Too Soon to Quit (Moody, 1999) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Savior, for enduring all the way to the cross. Give me the stamina to be a finisher.

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