Stand firm, Unshaken in The Faith

Many of you likely have a can of WD-40 in your home. My Dad used it often to penetrate tight bolts and squeaky hinges, as well as for lubrication.

But, do you know what WD-40 stands for?

The WD stands for “water displacement.” The 40 represents the number of times they tried to develop an effective formula. They failed 39 times, but succeeded on the 40th try. The message is, don’t give up. Don’t quit when you are tired. Don’t falter when you fail. Don’t stop trying when you encounter obstacles.”

The lesson from WD-40 reminds me of a quote by author Tony Robbins, who wrote, “Passion is the genesis of genius. Perseverance is the fuel that keeps it alive.”

Both the product WD-40 and Robbins’ observation emphasize the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving success in the business world and in pursuing our secular goals. But the principle is also true in the spiritual realm. Three Scriptural quotes come to mind.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).

In a recent post, “Passion: The Heartbeat of Spiritual Zeal,” we shared an acrostic of the word “passion,” highlighting 7 qualities and characteristics of zeal. This is the 3rd post in which we’re considering the traits in more detail.

If you’ve missed the first two posts, go back and read “Pursue God with your whole heart” and “Act in love, serving one another.”

Today’s post reminds us that passion and perseverance are essential elements that ignite our love for the Lord and sustain our fervor through life’s trials, temptations, and troubles. They support us to stand firm with an unshakable faith.

As noted in earlier posts, passion is expressed through our wholehearted love for God. It arises from a desire for Divine intimacy, is fueled by worship, and issues itself in selfless service. Our zeal transforms faith from routine spiritual rituals to a vibrant relationship.

David, the Shepherd-King, identified as “a man after God’s own heart, expressed this passion when he cried out, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1). His spiritual thirst could only be satiated by the “living water” flowing forth from the Divine heavenly stream.

Likewise, as we “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” that passion will motivate our desire to immerse ourselves in scripture, commune with God in prayer, engage in ministry, participate in spiritual fellowship, and share our faith with others. Yet, our zeal alone is not enough. Because passion ebbs and flows. Honesty requires acknowledging that periods of spiritual dryness can occur. Life’s challenges can cause the flame to flicker.

Then, what?

Steadfast persistence and perseverance smooth the way when the road is rough and the burden is hard to bear. It’s in such challenging circumstances that the words of Hebrews 12:1-2 offer encouragement: “Run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” As one unknown sage said, “Passion may launch the race, but perseverance enables us to finish it.”

When fervor fades, prayers appear unanswered, and weariness weighs down on us like a wet blanket draped over the soul, smothering its fire, perseverance sustains us and bolsters our will to win, to “keep the faith” and stay the course.

Both passion and perseverance are partners in spiritual growth. They anchor the soul. Keep the flame alive. Mold Christ-like character. And produce a steadfast faithfulness to finish the race.

In the words of author and missionary Elisabeth Elliot, “Passion for Christ is not proven in the moment of great emotion, but in the steady perseverance of daily obedience.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman