Leaders Persevere

A Proverb: “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!”1

This proverb begs the question: where do you find that kind of strength?

The more I read, the more I live, the more I am certain that the strength to persevere comes from a clear understanding of personal purpose. It provides the framework for handling what life throws our way. This kind of purpose is pure – it comes from inside. It cannot be manufactured in the caldron that mixes self-help books with motivational tapes and powerful speakers at the “rise up and take charge of your life” events - not that these are “bad” per se. In fact, they can help keep you focused.

Purpose begins when one takes the time to know who they are. Why they are here. And how they want to show up in life’s interactions.

Consider the story of writer from what is modern-day Turkey. He was smart. Well educated. Often spoke at public events in a time and place where what you said could get you imprisoned and/or publically flogged. History tells us it happened to him.

Enraged by his words, the crowds demanded public punishment and, as it was about to be delivered, he asked the local government enforcer if, in fact, they had authority over him - knowing he had a special class of citizenship that was recognized as distinctive in the place where he was speaking.

The result eliminated the flogging, but also grew into years of imprisonment, going from one jurisdiction to another. Near-death experiences on several journeys. Ultimately led to his death.

Yet, while he lived, he persevered. He continued speaking and writing. The underlying theme was: Reader, you have a choice – choose joy, discipline and obedience. Above all, live out your personal purpose with focus.

His life, lived with a passionate pursuit of purpose, is revealed in the historical record documenting his perseverance. His writings document his journey of finding and living out his purpose.

Are you living out your purpose?



1 Proverbs 24:10 (NIV)

Copyright ©2011 by P. Griffith Lindell