“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).

I was rushing to finish hospital rounds with the fellows. We came to a patient needing a complex treatment decision. I had reviewed the literature and was confident of the best approach. The lead fellow was discussing options, including some I had already rejected in my own review. I was in a hurry, so I cut him short, saying, “That’s not best. We should go this route.” He politely became silent, and we moved on. Later that afternoon, he came to my office and asked, “About that patient, did you see this new 2026 data?” I had not, and it suggested the approach he had tried to share was a reasonable one. I was proud of that fellow because of the way he had investigated the literature to come up with the best options for our patient. I was even more proud of him when, despite his professor cutting him short, he persevered with the scientific truth.

One of the qualities God admires most is perseverance. Perseverance is a reflection of faith. This young man had the courage to come back to his professor after an initial rejection. His action required courage and perseverance.

Reflecting on his strength of character made me reflect on my own, especially in matters of my faith walk. How well do I persevere for the Lord?

How well do I persevere with the truth of the gospel? Do I have the courage to continue with the message of Christ after I’m initially ignored or rejected?

How well do I persevere with, “Love your neighbor as yourself?” How long do I last when my neighbor’s needs are endless?

How well do I persevere in secular commitments, knowing those who watch me are watching a follower of Christ?

How well do I persevere with my own faith when times are hard and no end in sight?

When life itself rejects me, can I persevere?

Below is a conversation between Ben Sasse (follower of Christ, former senator and former college president, now nine months into incurable pancreatic cancer) speaking with Scott Pelley on a 60 Minutes broadcast:

Ben Sasse: “Yeah. I am incredibly blessed. My wife Melissa … we’ve been married 31 years. … We’re gonna be apart for a time. But she’s tough and gritty and theologically rooted, and she’s gonna be fine. My daughters are … extraordinary. I wanna walk ’em down the aisle. … That’s not the math on my timecard. My son — we have a providential surprise … a decade younger than big sisters. He’s 14, and he’s gonna be fine. He’ll have other wise men and women to put a hand on his shoulder. I’m super bummed to not be there…. But it’s not a surprise to God.”

Scott Pelley: “And God, you believe, has a plan.”

Ben Sasse: “Absolutely. There are no maverick molecules in the universe.”

Ben Sasse perseveres with the truth of life, though life itself is breaking him apart. He will not let truth go. Will I?

“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, NIV).

Dear Father,

Help me to persevere with every task and every message through your power and the encouragement of the church.

Amen