In whatever endeavor God calls you to, perseverance is the hallmark of spiritual growth. Whatever is thrown your way gives you an opportunity to exercise your tenacity muscle.

France was a time like that for me. There were days and weeks when I felt so lost and alone and unseen that all I could do was grit my way through life. Sometimes I gave up (to be honest). There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed, walk the kids to school, engage with other French folks. The dailiness of failure and sadness got to me.

Somehow, through God’s ample strength, I persevered. This is not a testament to my grit, though. It’s a testimony of God’s strength.

I like what A.B. Simpson writes about 2 Corinthians 12:10 about Paul rejoicing in his weaknesses. “The literal translation of this verse adds a startling emphasis to it, allowing it to speak for itself with power we have probably never realized. It is as follows: ‘Therefore I take pleasure in being without strength, being insulted, experiencing emergencies, and being chased and forced into a corner for Christ’s sake, for when I am without strength, I am dynamite.'”

Maybe that’s the secret of tenacity–this stark realization that when we can’t, He can. When we are small, He has a chance to be big on our behalf. When we are waning, His power turns to dynamite.

Tell me your story, please. I’ve shared my tale of woe a few times here on this blog. I want to hear from you.

When did you have to persevere? What did you learn about your strength? God’s? What lessons did you learn? Are you in a season of gritting through or sailing beyond? Or both?