How do we persevere? Stick with it for the long haul? Keep working despite detours? 

I read through Hebrews 11, that amazing chapter of amazing people who did not give up, to find answers. Abel. Enoch. Noah. Abraham. On and on it goes. Men and women who persevered despite ridicule, lions, foreign armies, prison, and more. 

How did they do it? We hear a two-word refrain, like a soft drumbeat, throughout Hebrews 11: by faith. 

“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice…”. Heb 11:4

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life...”  Heb 11:5

“By faith Noah… built an ark…” Heb 11:7

“By faith Abraham… obeyed and went…” Heb 11:8

“By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” Heb 11:27

That’s it! Their faith came from seeing, from knowing, from loving and trusting our loving, heavenly Father! Although invisible, we can see His attributes in His glorious creation. We see God’s creativity in the myriad colors, shapes, and sizes of plants and animals, trees and birds. We see God’s power in seas that surge and winds that whip. We see God’s gentleness in a morning sunrise. 

When we feel like giving up, when our work permit is rejected yet again, when the borders close yet again, when unexpected responsibilities derail our plans yet again, let’s pause and see God’s glorious attributes reflected in creation. Such a creative God can find a creative solution to work permit problems. Such a powerful God can open borders that close. Such a gentle God can help me humbly accept my unexpected responsibilities. 

Most clearly of all, we see God in Jesus who “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Col 1:15) As we prayerfully read God’s Word, we see Him who is invisible, Him who loves us, Him who gave His own life so that we might have a right relationship with Him now and on into eternity. With Jesus’ help, we can stick with it!

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17