…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1  

  ¹¹ And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, ¹² that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12, New King James Version)

It took Edward Gibbon 26 years to write The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 36 years for Noah Webster to produce the first edition of the dictionary, and the Roman orator Cicero spent 30 years practicing in front of friends in order to perfect his public speaking. That is persistence personified.

The life we live on earth is merely practice for heaven. So why is it so difficult at times to maintain our spiritual growth and press on toward our goal? We get distracted by the world, we get lazy in our effort, and we live in a culture that demands immediate gratification rather than appreciating long-term goals.

As Christians, we must challenge ourselves to persistently grow in the Lord and mature in our faith as part of this race we are running. We cannot give up or settle for a mediocre walk with God. Let us persist in our efforts, resting in His arms when we need to, and gaining the strength to continue on from the One who is waiting for us at the finish line.