Overcoming the Odds: Learning to Persevere

"I'll tell you the best funerals that I have ever been to have been for those who are Jesus followers. It may be weird to you, but it's true. At the end of life, having hope is so incredibly valuable. It changes the dynamics of a funeral. But … I've also seen people who were great Jesus followers have a significant burden at their funeral. I've seen people who had Jesus enter their lives late, and there were consequences, regrets, and pains from their previous lives. I've seen people who loved Jesus for much of their life but walked away late. There was an emptiness and hollowness in their service. They had Jesus … but there were signs of great dysfunction. There was celebration … but there was also lingering sorrow. Is there something more to it than just simply saying Jesus? Do the best lives have a secret to them that goes beyond simply knowing Jesus? What if it's perseverance? I've seen people who've persevered through life with or without money … that doesn't tell their whole story. I've seen people who've persevered through life with or without good relationships … and it doesn't tell their whole story."