Persevere

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

The last few days the words enduring and perseverance have been in my thoughts almost constantly. I looked up their definitions. Enduring is to last over a long period of time. Perseverance is to continue in spite of difficulty or delay. I guess I can relate to both! It’s easy in a time of prayer or worship to commit to persevering—but the day-to-day reality of it is something very different.

I’m coming up to nine years of battling cancer. And 20 months after I began that journey, Floyd was struck down and began his long silent journey. I remember standing by his bed in ICU on day three praying with him just before the doctor was going to do a procedure to slow his heart that was beating much too fast. We committed our lives and the future into God’s hands.

The doctor told me that the treatment might affect Floyd in an unusual way for some hours. He was right! Floyd started talking about things that made no sense. April, a dear ICU nurse, was with me at Floyd’s bed while he explained that our 50th wedding anniversary was the next year. To celebrate, we were going on a round-the-world trip to 50 countries! That sounded like an absolute nightmare to me, but Floyd was very excited and continued to talk about it. That was my last conversation with him. I guess he was a visionary as long as he had a voice to speak.

A few hours later, his heart stopped. He was then in a coma—and then silent, never to speak again. I then began a journey of enduring, persevering, through each day, sometimes through just the next hour. It was intense as his organs began to shut down, and various things attacked his body. I remember reading this quote: “When you feel like you’re drowning in life, don’t worry. Your lifeguard walks on water.” I clung to that lifeguard minute by minute. And have continued to do so as I cared for Floyd and continued my cancer battle. There were definitely moments when I felt like I was drowning, but Jesus held my hand and kept me afloat.

I’ve never been a quitter. When I start something, I always wanted to finish it—be it something big or small. But enduring and persevering through these last years has seemed impossible at times. But God! His Word has strengthened and encouraged me time and time again! Oh, how precious is the Word of God!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

There is strength to be found in reading His word—clinging to it—as we walk through a difficult time. His word and His presence with us, holding our right hand, will get us through!

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” I have faced countless short races, and I continue to do so. God’s grace, strength, love, wisdom, and help have gotten me through. He has helped me to endure and persevere—and He will help you too!

Lord, help us to endure hardship and suffering, persevering until You declare the trial is finished—when You have done all the work You intended.