It may seem unusual, but I am fond of a quote from the Western movie The Outlaw, which features the character Josey Wales. The famous line is "Endeavor to persevere." When we examine the meanings of these words, they come together to form a valuable principle to guide our lives.
The quote in The Outlaw had been mentioned before the movie's production, but the authorship remains unclear. Various sources attribute it to poet George Wooton, Abraham Lincoln, and Chief Joseph of the Nes Perce Indians. However, the identity of the original speaker is insignificant compared to the wisdom conveyed in the quote.
Endeavor has four meanings.
1. A strenuous effort or attempt.
2. To exert oneself to do or affect something, make an effort, or strive.
3. To attempt or try.
4. To attempt to achieve or gain.
Persevere has three meanings.
1. To persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose despite the difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
2. To persist in speech, interrogation, and argument. To insist.
3. To bolster, sustain, or uphold.
The individual definitions from www.dictionary.com appear to mean little, but combined, it takes on a whole new light.
Combining the words, endeavor and persevere leads to pursuing our goals without giving up, regardless of the difficulty or duration, and refusing to back down.
Although the exact phrase endeavor to persevere isn’t in the bible, the term purpose is. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven (NKJV).
In Acts 11:23 (NKJV), Barnabas recommended that the Christians in Antioch cleave unto the Lord with “purpose of heart.”
Romans 8:28 is worth mentioning. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV).
2 Timothy 1:9 says, “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (NKJV).
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (NKJV).
By obeying God, we can trust that he is fulfilling his purpose in our hearts and lives.
These verses emphasize the importance of not slacking off and pushing through with perseverance. We must continue to endeavor and persevere through any challenges that come our way. Endeavoring means persisting, while perseverance means never giving up.
Despite the violence and uncertainty in our world, we can find contentment by striving towards our goals with perseverance and drawing closer to Jesus. This can bring a sense of victory despite any challenges we face.
Takeaway:
My pastor often said, “Keep on keeping on,” implying that we should never give up. To live a victorious life and have a better relationship with God, we must work hard to endeavor and persevere.
Call To Action:
What's one thing we can do to show we're serious about endeavoring and persevering?
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you to take action? If so, I'd love for you to share it with us.