Let Us Not Grow Weary

by Jacob Thomsen

Every Monday at NDFA, we begin the week with a devotional, prayer, and a time to discuss what is coming up. This past Monday, Marit presented a devotional on perseverance, and it resonated deeply with me.

I’ve always been a sports guy, if you couldn’t tell, and I firmly believe that sports directly correlate to life and our Christian faith. They are a great equalizer, bringing people from every background together to attempt to achieve a common goal. I’ve played sports my whole life, and I certainly recognize that some of the greatest achievements, in sports and life, come through perseverance.

For the golf fans out there, you’ll know that this past weekend was The Masters Tournament. This is the most exclusive and prestigious golf event of the year, and for many of us, it signifies that now is officially the time to get back out on the course (provided there is no snow on the ground). This year’s finish was a tremendous example of perseverance.

Rory McIlroy held the largest lead in Masters history going into the third round, which is no small feat on what is well known as a very difficult course. He entered the fourth, and final round in the lead, but quickly fell all the way to a tie for fourth place about a third of the way through his round.

Despite past struggles and the immense pressure of the moment, he fought back to the lead and ultimately won by a single stroke. On a stage such as this, given the circumstances, it was a remarkable display of perseverance.

Another example of perseverance in sport is a bit more personal. As many of you know, I played college football for 5 seasons at the University of Mary here in Bismarck. This was one of the most challenging things I have done in my life.

Early on, one of my closest friends left the team and moved away. I was also three and a half hours away from my girlfriend, and the physical and mental demands were unlike anything I had experienced. To make matters worse, we also didn’t win very much – a total of 3 games through my first two seasons.

There were plenty of moments when quitting felt like the easiest option. I could work more hours at my job, I could have a schedule that was far more open, I could have more fun, frankly, and I could avoid the constant pressure and expectations that came with being part of the team. There were many late-night phone calls with my mom, lamenting the problems that I had throughout my time playing college football.

Deep down, though, I knew something important: quitting would have been easy, which is exactly why it wasn’t the right choice. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…” I have found that statement to be remarkably true. In football, I grew greatly in perseverance, built lifelong friendships, and experienced something that shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time.  

In the book of James, chapter 1, verse 12 says, “blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” When we persevere through trials out of our love for Him, we bring Him glory.

This same principle applies beyond just sports. It also applies directly to the work we do in public policy. Throughout the process of getting bills passed that advance our Biblical values, there are many points at which it would be ten times easier to just throw in the towel and quit. Especially when it gets to the point where you must fight for every single inch. Just like Teddy said, though, nothing worth doing is easy.

I would argue that everything NDFA fights for is worth it. From the sanctity of life to the protection of the family, every bill we engage in today will affect North Dakotans for generations to come. This is why perseverance is not optional. We must remain steadfast, continuing to do what is right even when it is difficult. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up,” Galatians 6:9.

Let this be an encouragement to you in your own life and faith. Whatever trials you may face, do not grow weary in doing good. Perseverance is rarely easy, but it is always worthwhile.