“But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead”
Have you heard the two rules for perseverance? They are simple, but effective.
Rule #1: Take one more step!
Rule #2: When you don’t think you can take one more step . . . refer to rule number one!
I am indebted to the American writer H. Jackson Brown Jr. for that little nugget of wisdom. What Mr. Brown’s formula fails to supply, however, is the strength to take that additional step.
Where does one go to get the power to persevere? The apostle Paul knew.
Paul was the Iron Man of the New Testament. He showed up for work every day—amidst crushing hardships and stifling opposition, in successes and failures. Despite Paul's tenacious spirit there was a time when even he was ready to throw in the towel.
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 ESV
Interestingly, just when Paul thought he could not take one more step, he discovered the power to persevere: Rely on God!
If God can raise the dead (and he can!), it is no problem for him to give you the strength to take one more step. God supplies the power for perseverance. He will help you:
Take one more step through your illness.
Take one more step after your heartache.
Take one more step toward graduation.
Take one more step in making amends.
Take one more step in your singleness.
Take one more step in your parenting.
Take one more step in your sobriety.
Take one more step in your marriage.
Take one more step in your leadership.
Whatever your challenge, no matter the difficulty with God's help you can take one more step. So if you are a little winded and your legs feel limp, remember that the One who raised the dead supplies your strength. He will help you.
Take one more step.