From the Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses/JW.ORG
FOR Orville and Wilbur Wright, what happened that October day in 1900 was not the first frustrating setback in their attempt to construct a heavier-than-air flying machine. They had already spent some years and a significant amount of money experimenting.
Finally, though, their persistence paid off. On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, U.S.A., the Wright brothers managed to launch a motor-driven prototype that flew for 12 seconds—short as far as flights go now, but long enough to change the world forever! (See the photo below)
Success in most endeavors depends largely on patient perseverance. Whether it is mastering a new language, learning a trade, or even developing a relationship, most things of value are achieved only through sustained effort. “Nine times out of ten,” says author Charles Templeton, “success is directly attributable to one thing: hard work.”
“The hand of the diligent one is the one that will rule.” (Proverbs 12:24) Diligence means that we persevere in our efforts. This is necessary if we want to achieve what we set out to do. Perseverance has become a rare commodity in modern times. Many people believe that success has more to do with being in the right place at the right time than it does with perseverance.
The news media are saturated with advertising slogans that subliminally drive home the message that almost anything you want can be had with a minimum of effort and just a little more money.
What Is Perseverance?
To persevere means to ‘hold firmly and steadily to some purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles or setbacks.’ It implies continuing resolutely in the face of adversity, being tenacious, not giving up. The Bible highlights the importance of this quality. For instance, God’s Word admonishes us: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom,” “keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you,” “persevere in prayer,” and “hold fast to what is fine.”—Matthew 6:33; Luke 11:9; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
An important part of perseverance is coping with the inevitable setbacks. Proverbs 24:16 states: “The righteous one may fall even seven times, and he will certainly get up.” Rather than ‘folding up’ when encountering difficulty or failure, the persevering individual ‘gets up,’ ‘keeps on,’ and tries again.
Columnist Leonard Pitts says: " “We forget, that there is a reason to go through ordeal, some value to be found in adversity.” What value is that? He concludes: “[One] learns that failure is not fatal, nor defeat eternal. One gains depth. One becomes ready.” The Bible puts it simply: “By every kind of toil there comes to be an advantage.”—Proverbs 14:23.
What Can Help Us Persevere?
The first step for persevering in a chosen course is to set worthwhile and attainable goals.
“The shrewd one considers his steps,” says Proverbs 14:15. It is wise to reevaluate our strategies in life from time to time, asking ourselves where we are heading and whether adjustments need to be made. Studying to understand God’s law as set out in the Bible is a very worthwhile goal. Why? Essentially, it is because God’s law is based on his perfect, righteous standards. As the Creator, he knows what is best for his creatures. So if we persist in learning God’s instructions and applying them in our lives, such persistence will surely bring us happiness. “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart . . . In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight,” promises Proverbs 3:5, 6.
Additionally, taking in knowledge of God and of Jesus “means everlasting life,” says Jesus. (John 17:3) Bible prophecy indicates that we are living in “the last days” of this system. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:3-13) Soon God’s Kingdom, his righteous government, will assert its rule over earth’s inhabitants. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:10) This government will usher in an unprecedented era of peace, prosperity, and well-being for all obedient mankind. (Psalm 37:10, 11; Revelation 21:4) “God is not partial,” says Acts 10:34.
Yes, everyone is invited to enjoy the benefits!
REQUEST A FREE BIBLE STUDY FROM JW.ORG!
FOR Orville and Wilbur Wright, what happened that October day in 1900 was not the first frustrating setback in their attempt to construct a heavier-than-air flying machine. They had already spent some years and a significant amount of money experimenting.
Finally, though, their persistence paid off. On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, U.S.A., the Wright brothers managed to launch a motor-driven prototype that flew for 12 seconds—short as far as flights go now, but long enough to change the world forever! (See the photo below)
Success in most endeavors depends largely on patient perseverance. Whether it is mastering a new language, learning a trade, or even developing a relationship, most things of value are achieved only through sustained effort. “Nine times out of ten,” says author Charles Templeton, “success is directly attributable to one thing: hard work.”
“The hand of the diligent one is the one that will rule.” (Proverbs 12:24) Diligence means that we persevere in our efforts. This is necessary if we want to achieve what we set out to do. Perseverance has become a rare commodity in modern times. Many people believe that success has more to do with being in the right place at the right time than it does with perseverance.
The news media are saturated with advertising slogans that subliminally drive home the message that almost anything you want can be had with a minimum of effort and just a little more money.
What Is Perseverance?
To persevere means to ‘hold firmly and steadily to some purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles or setbacks.’ It implies continuing resolutely in the face of adversity, being tenacious, not giving up. The Bible highlights the importance of this quality. For instance, God’s Word admonishes us: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom,” “keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you,” “persevere in prayer,” and “hold fast to what is fine.”—Matthew 6:33; Luke 11:9; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
An important part of perseverance is coping with the inevitable setbacks. Proverbs 24:16 states: “The righteous one may fall even seven times, and he will certainly get up.” Rather than ‘folding up’ when encountering difficulty or failure, the persevering individual ‘gets up,’ ‘keeps on,’ and tries again.
Columnist Leonard Pitts says: " “We forget, that there is a reason to go through ordeal, some value to be found in adversity.” What value is that? He concludes: “[One] learns that failure is not fatal, nor defeat eternal. One gains depth. One becomes ready.” The Bible puts it simply: “By every kind of toil there comes to be an advantage.”—Proverbs 14:23.
What Can Help Us Persevere?
The first step for persevering in a chosen course is to set worthwhile and attainable goals.
“The shrewd one considers his steps,” says Proverbs 14:15. It is wise to reevaluate our strategies in life from time to time, asking ourselves where we are heading and whether adjustments need to be made. Studying to understand God’s law as set out in the Bible is a very worthwhile goal. Why? Essentially, it is because God’s law is based on his perfect, righteous standards. As the Creator, he knows what is best for his creatures. So if we persist in learning God’s instructions and applying them in our lives, such persistence will surely bring us happiness. “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart . . . In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight,” promises Proverbs 3:5, 6.
Additionally, taking in knowledge of God and of Jesus “means everlasting life,” says Jesus. (John 17:3) Bible prophecy indicates that we are living in “the last days” of this system. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:3-13) Soon God’s Kingdom, his righteous government, will assert its rule over earth’s inhabitants. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:10) This government will usher in an unprecedented era of peace, prosperity, and well-being for all obedient mankind. (Psalm 37:10, 11; Revelation 21:4) “God is not partial,” says Acts 10:34.
Yes, everyone is invited to enjoy the benefits!
REQUEST A FREE BIBLE STUDY FROM JW.ORG!
