5.3: A Purposeful Life Creates Perseverance Power

People without purpose are not living they are only existing. They are like a rudderless ship on a vast ocean driven hither and yon by the winds and tides. They wonder what the heck happened in the past while they wander aimlessly into the future.

On the other hand, people with a purpose are established, focused and useful. Author and management expert Gary Hamel wrote, “A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation and encourages perseverance.”

The source for your power to persevere is your divinely infused destiny, your unique God-given purpose for living. Here is how it works:

Your purpose defines you. Your purpose is what separates you from everyone else on the planet. Your DNA defines you physically but your purpose defines your humanity; it clarifies the “why” of your existence. Only you can discover and fulfill your reason for being here. Joe Sabah, a friend of mine, says, “Sing the song you came to sing.” What is your song and are you singing it?

Your purpose directs you. Staying focused in life is difficult because of the variety of opportunities and distractions that come your way. When you know why you are here you make better choices, you know your priorities, you know when to say yes and when to say no, and you know what is right and what is wrong.

Your purpose deepens you. When you live with purpose you operate from core values, sincerely held beliefs that guide you in the way you live and work; things like honesty, industry, and integrity. They are your code of conduct, your ethics, your sense of duty and honor. The better defined and the more you live out these values the better person you become.

Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Your purpose defends you. There will be times when you will be attacked by those who would keep you from your destiny. They will tempt you with offers to do something different than what you know you were placed here to do. Your purpose will hold you to the goals you have established and defend you against enemies who want to put you in your place.

Your purpose dynamizes you. This is the best part! Your purpose gives you the power to persevere when the going gets tough. It energizes you when you are fatigued and strengthens you when you are weak. The word “dynamize” comes from the Greek word dunamis which means power. In this case, Perseverance Power!

Let me repeat myself: The source for your power to persevere is your divinely infused destiny, your unique God-given purpose for living. Appropriate it. Exercise it. Implement it.

©2015 Ronald D. Ross