There is a saying that goes: Noguts, noglory. Nowhere is it more evident than in the life of a Christian. Let’s say it again: the world we live in is cruel, despicable and fierce – not always user friendly. Then there is the evil enemy wanting to destroy you. Therefore make the assumption that there will be tough and difficult times in your life. Things will happen to you that you will not understand. To be a Christian in the first place and also a true conqueror is not for the faint-hearted. It is for men and women with guts. A winner is simply someone who never give up. It is someone who does not know the words ‘give up’. ‘Keep going’ are the notable words in their vocabulary. Hard work and persistence are notable in the heart of a winner. The Bible is specific when using symbols or images to describe Christians. A few of these descriptions are in 2 Timothy 2: 3-6: Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus… And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labour. The term ‘persist’ is a part of a soldier’s dialect. I will not easily forget my army days. Waking up every day at four in the morning, perfectly making your bed and spotlessly cleaning everything for the morning inspection, day after day after day. It is not something you can easily forget. Daily drills on the grounds for hours on end. Then there were the daily exercise and running programs, I can go on. Doing this takes persistence. Any athlete will tell you that you do not just show up at the Comrades Marathon or simply win the Olympics. Oh no, it take years and years of persistence and hard work. There are injuries that all sportsmen and –women will tell you about. Then you have to start again and work even harder. It takes persistence to start over. In marathons cramps and other muscle injuries occur that causes big problems for the athlete. Sometimes it is simply guts that carries the athlete across the finish line. Many nights they miss out on parties because they have to go the bed earlier. They eat healthier while others feast on sugar and sweets. To say ‘no’ is to have discipline and persistence. A farmer is used to taking risks. They often make difficult decisions. Is it going to rain? If so, when? The harvest must be planted, but the slightest mistake will cost millions. Some years there will be fewer harvests and many disappointments. This, however, is not the time to loss hope – no, persistence is key! Never give up. Persist!
