Perserverance

According to dictionary.com the definition of perseverance is:
1. Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
2. Continuance in a state of grace leading finally to a state of glory.

I'm pretty sure there is very little that I have done that would equal the first definition and I thank God for His grace that I can live under the second. For the moment, pretend there is only the first definition. I hate difficult things, people, jobs. You name the difficult *insert here* and I run, sometimes walk, but mainly run from it. I never persevere especially when it comes to my diet. I always start with the best intentions, but then something triggers me off the track. Now if I would remember to live under the second definition then these words from 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 would apply. "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

God's truth is that I can persevere because 1)I do live under God's grace and 2) God has given the strength to endure through difficult *insert here*. I can live in perseverance victory, because He builds an escape route for me. Powerful thoughts for someone who has never truly finished anything.