But the same passion that leads you to start something won't be enough to make you stay with something. Starting power is easy. Everybody loves to dream and the thought of starting something new is always attractive. Dreams are free ... in the beginning.
But staying with something is another matter entirely. Staying power is the sacrifice to realize ones dreams. After the going gets tough and the love fads and the passion wanes - that's when the staying power kicks in. Staying with a marriage that's on the rocks. Staying with a church or ministry when it goes backward instead of forward. Staying with a friend who's hurt you. Staying with a sales position after three "no's" and not meeting your quarterly quota. That's tough.
Jesus' promise in Philippians 1:6 gives me staying power: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." Jesus always finishes what He starts. My life and your life are works in progress. Never give up on your dreams. Opposition is simply the test to discover the true mettle of a man. It builds character and resolve in the heart of a dreamer. And when the going gets tough, call on Jesus to give you the power to stay put and finish what you've started.
