Years ago, Newt Gingrich (former Speaker of the House) gave an interesting definition for perseverance. He said that perseverance “is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”

I think he is on to something. Our Bible speaks of perseverance quite a lot. The Greek term “hupomeneo” might be rendered “to endure,” or “to bear up under,” or “to persevere.” In Romans 5, it has the idea of bearing up under suffering. In II Timothy 2, this word has the idea of enduring so others may obtain salvation. And in I Corinthians 13, we are told to bear all things, because that is what love does.

Unfortunately, perseverance is in short supply in our culture. Our relationships are disposable. Our jobs are transferable. Our lifestyles are transient. And more, very few things are done with persistence in mind. So, I am writing today to encourage each of us to engage life this week with a kind of stubborn resolve.

Let’s look at our spouses and declare, “I am here for the long haul. Thick or thin, fun or not, I am committed to you. I will persist in marriage without exception.”

Let’s look at our children (especially those who are teenagers) and declare, “I will endure your orneriness, try to ignore your temporary obnoxiousness and promise you my unending, persistent love and support.”

Let’s look at our employers and promise them a deep commitment to the work at hand and a promise to do it with a good attitude.

Consider the aboriginal rainmakers of Australia. A researcher was trying to get a handle on why this one particular group had a perfect record. Every single time they were called on to perform their rituals and dancing, it rained!

When they were asked how come they had such a perfect record, they replied, “That is easy, we dance until it rains!” It wasn’t a matter of magic power, but powerful persistence. They persevered until the job was done.

We can persevere too. Just keep dancing until it rains!