Perseverance

Dicionary.com defines perseverance as a "steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement."

This week I've realized that I haven't learned to persevere. My sister and I began the Susie Magazine 30 day challenge on May 9th. This challenge stipulates that we must:

• Walk 30 min-5 times a week


• Jog 20 min- 3 times a week


• Jump rope 20 min-3times a week


• Eat one fruit and one vegetable ever day


• Read 5 Psalms every day


• Write in a prayer journal every day


• Be kind to a neighbor 3 times a week


• Read the gospel of Mark


• Tell someone verbally about Jesus


• Read "Hind's Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard


• Read "The Case for a Creator: Student Edition" by Lee Strobel

This is just a few of the things we must do to complete the challenge. At first, when my sister suggested we participate in this challenge I said "No way!" I knew that when it came to exercise I'm a wimp. I'm not afraid to admit it. But then she showed me we would get a cool t-shirt after completing the challenge. Well, I'm a sucker for t-shirts, so here I am beating my body into submission and wishing I had learned to persevere earlier.

Romans 5:3-4 says "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;and character, hope."

Right now exercise seems a lot like suffering so maybe after this 30 day challenge I will have finally produced some perseverance, character, and I hope that I will think hard before entering into a challenge in the future.