Perseverance – Chris Linzey

Life in the Marine Corps is extremely challenging. From the moment you step onto the yellow footprints at recruit training you are tested physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are days, maybe even weeks, when you feel overwhelmed. Exhaustion threatens to consume you and doubt whispers in your ear, urging you to quit. It’s not any different in the Fleet. Sure, the particulars and details change, but life still has difficulties and challenges. There are times when we think it would just be easier to throw in the towel and quit. In these moments, it is crucial to remember why you started this journey in the first place. Holding on to your “why”—your personal sense of purpose—will give you the strength to press forward when the road ahead seems impossible.

In the Bible, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse speaks directly to the importance of faith and perseverance. There will be times when your understanding fails, when you can’t see the finish line, and when the hardships of life in the military seem too great. But if you hold onto your purpose and trust that you have been placed on this path for a reason, you can find the strength to keep going.

Your “why” is personal. Maybe you joined to serve your country, to challenge yourself, or to provide a better future for your family. Maybe you felt a calling to be part of something greater than yourself. Whatever your reason, it is what gives meaning to your sacrifices. When you are standing in the rain during a tough field exercise, when you are struggling to master a difficult skill, or when the weight of leadership feels too heavy, your purpose will be your anchor. It can be that higher purpose that gives you inner strength. This is what spiritual fitness looks like.

At times, life will feel like a battlefield, both physically and spiritually. But hardship is not meant to break you—it is meant to shape you. In my faith tradition, Saint Paul writes in Romans 5:3-4, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” The struggles you endure now are forging you into a stronger, wiser, and more resilient person.

So when you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to remind yourself of your “why.” Write it down. Speak it out loud. Perhaps even pray about it. Remember that your purpose is greater than any single obstacle you face. And above all, trust in your higher purpose to guide you and give you inner strength. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, knowing that perseverance will lead to victory.

megyn-book-cover-529x800 Friends who know me know that I’m not really a fan of FoxNews. While I am theologically conservative, I tend to lean more to the left than Fox does when it comes to social issues and politics. That being said, I have not spent a lot of time watching Megyn Kelly on Fox. But I saw that she had a book published, Settle for More, and saw an interview she did regarding the book. Then, by chance, our base library had a copy of it on display. That’s when I thought I’d pick it up and give it a read.

I will admit that it is not what I thought it would be. After all, Ms. Kelly is hardly older than I am. How could she possibly have a memoir? Additionally, I knew that a good portion of her book was dedicated to Donald Trump. A book on Trump doesn’t really seem like it’s memoir-worthy. But the book wasn’t just about Trump. It wasn’t just about Megyn Kelly. The book really was about the last year of Megyn Kelly’s life under fire from the Trump organization/followers, her response to it, and the life that brought her to the point where she responded the way she did. In short, it’s an apologetic

From her telling, Ms. Kelly has endured quite a bit from Trump and his followers. The book gets into a bit of the details. In fact, the last fourth of the book is all about her chaotic experiences with Trump. But the first three-fourths of the book set up the reader to understand the life that gave Ms. Kelly the convictions and determination that allowed her to deal with the hardships of her past year.

She had dealt with bullies as a child. She endured the sudden death of her father when she was a teen. She worked diligently in college and law school. She went through a divorce. All of the negative experiences in her life prepared her (ultimately) to deal with the Trump organization and the grief of her last year. She sums up her attitude in this paragraph:

Adversity is an opportunity, and one that has allowed me to flourish. It has made me stronger, my skin a little thicker. And as with any turmoil in your life, none of it is for nothing if you survive it and take stock.

And THAT is a principle that we would all do well to learn. It’s what the Bible is teaching believers when James writes:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

There is more to our suffering than simply suffering. There is something that happens within us when we endure suffering – we grow. We learn. Get get better. We get stronger. Let’s not be naive, sometimes this world tears us down. Plenty of faithful believers have gone to their graves without ever seeing an end to their suffering. This is where our hope that comes from our faith plays a big role in enduring troubles.

One day the trouble will cease. One day the pain will end. Revelation 21:4 proclaims:

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

When you go through difficult times, please know that you’re not the only one. Others have gone before you. Others walk with you. And people will endure hardships until this world passes away. But hold fast, knowing that God is working something within you. He may not remove the troubles, but you can be changed for the better because of them. And one day, God will ease all of your troubles.

Come, Lord Jesus.