Some statistics show that it takes the average person six to eight attempts to quit smoking before they are successful. Unfortunately, many people give up before that time. Acquiring the characteristics of a Christian will also, usually, require many attempts before success. This is where perseverance pays off. It is very easy to become discouraged when we don’t meet with immediate success. Often people decide that they “just can’t do it’.
Henry Ford is quoted as saying, “whether you think you can, or ”whether you think you can’t; you are right.” The meaning being that success is often a frame of mind. If we give up, failure is certain. If we persevere, with God’s help, we can be successful. In Galatians 6:9 the apostle Paul said, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” It is important to note that he says, “if we do not lose heart.” if we lose heart and become discouraged, then no reward will be ours. While if we persevere, the writer of Hebrews says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise”.