Perseverance.

We like the word, but not necessarily the trials that are associated with it.

My faith is stronger today than it has ever been in my lifetime. I don’t say that in a prideful manner as one who is above the fray; I say it as a blood-stained warrior presently in the heart of trench warfare, beaten and battered by life’s trials, yet fighting with more character and heart for Jesus than ever before.

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 ESV)

These words mean more to me now than ever. Hardships have great ROIs (return on investments) when we spend our faith on welcoming them and their character-building opposition. Jesus isn’t after my comfort, he’s after my conformity to him, and trials help produce that.

James 1:2-4 isn’t just a “hype” passage, it is truth that transforms when we get it, accept it, and work with the trials in our lives to get what Jesus is after.

The bigger the impact you want to make, the longer it will take to achieve. The larger the vision, the longer the journey will be. And the greater the CAUSE, the harder you will be fought.

The reason why so many people never do anything great or experience being part of anything great is because they aren’t willing to wait or persevere through the difficult seasons that greatness demands. People today aren’t willing to stay in one place or on one project long enough to see it to fruition. As soon as it gets difficult, they bail on God, their dreams, and even meaningful God-ordained relationships.

If we are going to do anything great for God, we must be willing to plant ourselves in the vision long enough for trials to bring the necessary pain that produces the kind of character we will need to go to the next level.

It’s been said that God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow into them.

I believe that with all my heart. We must plant ourselves in the VISION and declare to the enemy, “I’m not going anywhere. Give me your best shot, but I will not surrender.” Like Nehemiah, we can’t afford to come down off of this wall.

On 14 August, 1779, American naval Captain John Paul Jones sailed from Brest, France, in charge of a squadron of four vessels. The French gave him an old ship, which he renamed the Bon Homme Richard. His officers were Americans without experience in naval duties, and his crew was a motley assemblage.

Captain Jones had been operating in the area since late 1777 looking for opportunities to distress the enemies of the United States by sea or land during the Revolutionary War. Jones had experienced many disappointments over the previous year in trying to raise a force for further operations.

After much determination, he was finally at sea again!

On September 23, 1779, Jones engaged the British frigate Serapis in the North Sea, daringly sailing in close, lashing his vessel to the British ship, and fighting the battle at point-blank range. During the fight, two of his cannon burst. The British Captain Richard Pearson, commanding Serapis, called out to Jones, asking if he was ready to surrender.

Replied Jones: “Sir, I have not yet begun to fight!”

The American crew overcame the British and finally boarded the Serapis after the British had surrendered her colors. And from the deck of the Serapis they watched their own Bon Homme Richard sink into the North Sea, but having won the battle and captured the Serapis.

Lessons we can learn from John Paul Jones:

1. The odds don’t have to be in your favor for great victory. At the time, Britain ruled the waves. The U.S. had just a few ships manned by sailors ready to desert at the first sign of adversity. But Jones didn’t look at odds, he believed in his mission and the ability of his crew.

2. Jones spent hours thinking about ways to capitalize on the Navy’s strengths. He was a great strategist and played to the strengths of his crew and vessels.

3. Don’t let anyone rob you of your focus or vision… don’t look back: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

4. Self-improvement needs to be a constant in a leader’s life. Always look for ways to grow in the midst of hardship. Don’t waste your pain and disappointments; let them improve you.

5. Being self-demanding inspires confidence in others… everyone likes a taut ship. Demand much of yourself as a leader. That’s what Jones did.

6. Don’t let discouragement render you helpless… it’s the stuff that perseverance is made of… fight the “good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12)… Jones assumed he would win the battle even as his ship was sinking around him. When everyone else wants to quit, let them hear you say “I have not yet begun to fight”.

7. Stand alone, even when others abandon you (just like Jesus).

8. He took risks and inspired others to do the same. As a result, his ragtag team of misfits became a battle-tested army of overachievers.

9. He never gave up. He psyched out the opposition, who must have thought he was crazy for not perceiving his own eminent defeat.