A study involving Japanese and American first graders showed Japanese children scoring higher on standardized math test than their American counterparts. Maybe like me you assumed a plethora of reasons why but you might be surprised at what the study revealed.
The researchers gave the children a difficult puzzle to solve. What they wanted to see was how long they would try before giving up. The American children lasted, on average, 9.47 minutes. The Japanese children lasted 13.93 minutes. In other words, the Japanese children tried about 40 percent longer. I am thinking that would be a major reason why the Japanese scored higher on their math test. The bottom line, the Japanese first graders, simply tried harder. (adapted from The Circle Maker)
What they are saying is success is a derivative of persistence. However, we know that already don’t we. Don’t we? We should, as Christians we have an even greater reason to persevere.
The Bible is filled with Scriptures that guide us to persist to finish the race we each have been given. For example:
Hebrews 10:36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
Philippians 3:12-14 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it but, I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
In these Scriptures you find the purpose, the plan, and the prize, and that is why we don’t give up. The prize is why we persevere. What is the prize?
-A crown that will last forever
-Eternal life
-The prize for which God calls us heavenward
-To reign with Christ
-To fulfill His promise of abundant life
-Wake up every day with purpose
So friends, take a moment and ask yourself the following:
-In what areas of my life am I giving up on God’s promises; and am I quitting too soon?
-Do I believe in the Word’s God has promised me?
-Am I willing to be His vessel and persevere?
Tanya
Tanya Magnus is a Speaker, Author, and Master Trainer of Bible Study teachers. She is founder of Choose to Soar Ministries and author of the Broken Warrior book. She welcomes your comments and thoughts. Her new Blog is fresh every Tuesday.