There are times when giving up seems easier than pressing on. Difficulties, disappointments and delays can drain our enthusiasm and make us wonder whether the goal before us is worth pursuing. Yet some blessings are only discovered when we refuse to quit.

The Bible contains the story of a man called Joshua. He features in an account of seven tribes who had still not received their allotted inheritance. Joshua challenged them: How long would they wait? God had promised them the land, but they still had to move forward and take possession. The promise did not remove the need for perseverance.

Walt Disney also knew what it meant to face setbacks. His early career included disappointments, financial difficulties and ideas that did not always receive the welcome he hoped for. Yet he continued creating. ‘Steamboat Willie’ was a comic strip which introduced Mickey Mouse, alongside Minnie. Time and time again he was turned away by the filmmakers. But he kept knocking on their doors.

Giving up is often the easiest option because it removes the struggle. Perseverance asks more of us. It asks us to try once more, pray once more, learn once more and take another step when progress seems slow.

Sometimes wisdom requires us to change direction. But we should never abandon a worthwhile calling merely because the road has become difficult.

Perhaps today you are tempted to stop just short of your inheritance. Remember Joshua’s challenge. Do not remain where you are simply because moving forward requires courage. Trust God, take the next step with faith and courage, and keep going.

Persistence may not make the journey easy, but it can carry you beyond disappointment into possibility.

Rev Mike Davies

Inspiration Church – Okehampton