Journalist Bob Woodward described the death of Osama Bin Laden as the result of thousands of people who were a part of the “culture of persistence.” Tracking down Bin Laden involved thousands of dedicated intelligent professionals working over ten years. They worked for two different Presidents.
They never gave up. I am sure there were many times where people thought the cause was fruitless, but they persisted.
That Navy Seal team carried out a successful, daring mission. The success didn’t just happen the day they entered the compound – it had been happening for years and years as they persistently practiced. It was the result of arduous training and persistent practice.
Two weeks ago we learned of a task that took even longer. It involved the results of an experiment begun 52 years ago to try and confirm key components of Albert Einstein’s theory of General Relativity. I won’t explain this study in detail to you, but it was a $750 million project called Gravity Probe B. Scientific American says it proved “Einstein wins again.”
Some of the results of this study have already provided technology that underpins global positioning satellite devices, has improved air travel safety, and has taught us a lot about how our universe functions. It was a result of 52 years of persistent study.
I could have saved them some time. I could have proved in my mind that Einstein was right in about 2 minutes! I do love how Einstein one day said, “It is not that I am so smart, it is just that I stay with problems longer.”
Persistence – the most successful people are extremely persistent.
Read in Matthew 15 the story of a woman who brought her son to Jesus to be healed. She was persistent. The disciples kept pushing her away because she was a Canaanite woman. She would not allow them to keep her away from Jesus. She was persistent.
The result was that Jesus was impressed by her persistence, heard her request, and healed her son.
What has God given you to do? Are you a little discouraged, dejected, feel defeated? It is never over until it is over.
Persistence produces positive results!
