Untapped Potential for Perseverance

Today we went to see the movie on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Amazing! You read books that say that most of us have an immense and untapped potential for brain or mental power. They say that we only use a small portion of our mental capability. As I watched the actions of Meriwether, William, and Sacagawea, I kept thinking about our untapped potential for perseverance in the face of danger, risks, and obstacles, wether they are physical or emotional. So many of us collapse over seemingly small problems or disputes with associates. We give up easily over physical challenges. We despair over life obstacles. Yet, we are capable of so much more! I saw these people face mosquitos, deceases, grizzly bears, native people (some friendly, others hostile), extreme cold, lack of food, living in very close quarters, crossing the rocky mountains on foot, loneliness, and they only lost one man early on. Their perseverance in the face of great challenges was amazing.

You can probably say the same of people climbing the Everest, sailing around the world, or going into Lebanon in the middle of war to save orphan children like Mother Teresa did. I'm not sure if this is a function of our "perseverance" muscle growing weaker over time, or if we don't have the faith or sense of purpose to drive us. When faced with difficulties, it is good to remember that we can handle this and so much more with God's help.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

Christopher Reeve

Technorati Tags: Perseverance

Comments

[Lorna]

Jesus commended perseverence in prayer,and I think James was actually writing to our generation! We live in a instant gratification society - fast food and intenet - and are in grave danger of learning how to press in in prayer.

We don't have because we don't ask (or ask with wrong motives) still applies - but also the fact that if we don't get the answer we want instantly - like a scratch card - we give up.

I think that's something God is impressing on me for lent this year: To pray for His church and the leaders (in an ecumenical sense, not only my particular brand if you see what I mean -

Jesus' prayer was that we would be one as He and the Father are one. It's important or He wouldn't have prayed it.