Watching Nathan Chen on T.V. deliver an exquisite figure skating performance at the Olympics in Beijing was an exhilarating experience made even greater by the announcement that some of the combination of jumps he achieved had never before been seen at the Olympics. Nathan Chen performed five different types of quadruple jumps.

He had committed himself to an unremitting program of training in order to accomplish his goal. He remained focused and concentrated and he persevered against the knowledge that the things he attempted had not been done before.

After so many years of Olympic competition it was a surprise to know that new records could still be set, and the limits of human achievement on ice skates could be pushed ever farther.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12).

In our spiritual lives as in skating, it is easy to reach plateaus when we believe that we are as close to our goals as we will ever be, but for those who persevere, God opens the door to more and more of Himself. Indeed, in His kingdom there is no knowledge of what cannot be achieved, but only the resounding promise of the “crown of life” that awaits those who love Him.

Nathan Chen’s perseverance rested on his faith that what had not yet been achieved, yet could be achieved, just as the Christians’ perseverance rests on the faith that God sets no limits to our friendship with Him, for love knows no stopping place.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed; for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

He is the well of our perseverance, the assurance that our lives bear fruit, no matter how unlikely it may seem to be or how blind we are to His handiwork. He is eternal life itself to those who love Him.

Love in Him,

Prue