Practice Perseverance

It’s one thing to know what the word “perseverance” means, but it’s another thing to practice perseverance. Life has brought me to a place where I’m learning the latter well.

Four weeks ago, I suffered a stress fracture in my left foot. Bone density tests prove that I don’t have osteoporosis, so I’ll discuss this issue with my doctor in early August. In the meantime, I’m supposed to wear an aircast when I walk any distance.

Wellness journey

It’s no secret that I’ve been on a decade-long wellness journey. Joining First Place for Health as a participant in their weekly online Bible study and accountability program helped me lose 65 pounds. I had to practice perseverance for two years to take the weight off through proper nutrition and regular exercise. I considered every ounce of effort worth it because the results changed my life.

My body hurt less. I regained mobility. International travel became easier. My clothes fit better, and I became more confident. Our dream of living on a sailboat became a reality, partly because I was stronger and healthier than I’d been in years. Best – my relationship with God deepened as I learned to turn to Him rather than to comfort food to satisfy my wants and needs.

Weight began to return

But over time, the weight began to return. I’m nowhere near where I was when I first began my wellness journey, but I need to rein it in. Once again, I need to practice perseverance. As the dictionary says, I need to develop “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.”

Last year, I suffered two stress fractures in my right foot and landed in an aircast for nearly two months. Understandably, the gym I attend wouldn’t allow cast-wearing clients into the facility, so I skipped my workouts for weeks. This contributed to my setback.

Practice Perseverance

This year, I’m choosing to practice perseverance despite the difficulty. Every morning, I do as many exercises as possible without putting unnecessary strain on my foot, and I take one or two short walks around the marina while wearing the boot. As I practice perseverance to maintain good health, I’m asking God to honor my efforts with success. I’m grateful for the results already felt.

Regaining or maintaining our physical health requires us to practice perseverance despite challenges and setbacks. If we stick with it, we reap the benefits. The same is true for our spiritual lives.

Summer brings a change to our routine

We travel someplace for a holiday or guests choose to holiday at our place. Late nights make it tough to get up early. Our best laid plans to spend a few minutes reading the Bible and talking with God fall apart. Before long, we feel spiritually starved and disconnected from Jesus.

Spending a few minutes in God’s Word should never become so regimented that we feel guilty if we miss a day or two or three. Sometimes life happens and interruptions can’t be helped. But as much as we’re able, we ought to seek space to seek God’s face daily. Heaven knows we need it. Those living closest to us might agree.

The way we meet with God might look different in the summer months than throughout the rest of the year, and that’s okay. Perhaps taking a walk while listening to an app with Bible readings might work well. Or sitting outside on the back deck with Bible and coffee in hand before anyone else rises. Or listening to Scripture reading or praise music while walking the dog.

Find a method that works for you

Practice perseverance, my friend.

Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

This principle applies to so many areas of life—showing kindness to someone who appears stand-offish, praying for a prodigal, coming alongside a newcomer to our country, caring for a senior parent, making time with God a priority, and even sticking to a wellness plan.

I’m going to practice perseverance on my wellness journey this summer despite the challenges that are accompanying it, and I’m trusting that I’ll reap a harvest of restored wellness in due time.

Practice perseverance in your spiritual life this summer despite the challenges that will accompany it, and trust that you’ll reap a harvest of blessing if you don’t give up. It will come as surely as God promised.